The Birmingham Press

Town and Country

Albion have had a successful week in two contrasting games. Terry Wills reports.

It was the moment that proved to every football fan, whichever team they support, that Steve Clarke has introduced a Hawthorns team spirit of the highest order – Sky showing that when James Morrison equalised a Spurs opener the whole Albion team were as one, including keeper Ben Foster. They flung themselves to the ground as if they’d won the Greed League, the FA Cup or even that European trophy.

It was well deserved despite the fact that Spurs had enough possession in the first half that could have seen them pocket all three points. But no amount of possession wins games as they subsequently discovered to their cost. It was after 62 minutes when, inspired by the introduction of Romelu Lukaku, we had a complete turn around and it was Spurs that were hanging on to avoid a Baggies equaliser. Their struggles were in vain -we’d salvaged a point. Power to the People! Even the media were kind enough to praise Albion, especially the Match of the Day team, long may it continue.

So on to the League Cup, now the Capital Cup and a trip to sunny Yeovil. It was a game that any Greed League club should win, but so often sees them looking shocked and embarrassed.  Early indications weren’t very encouraging as the remodelled team showing ten changes had to come from behind to eventually win 4-2.

Inspired by a certain, remember him (?) Reuben Reid Yeovil made the early running to take the lead only to see a typical Chris Brunt strike nearly leave a hole in the net for an equaliser, and when Shane Long put us in front surely that was it?

Not so, as a second-half goal from Mr Reid levelled the scores but gradually the Baggies got on top (just about) as Craig Dawson made it 3-2 via a deflection and mercifully Shane Long scored his second to take us into the next round.

So onto Saturday and a visit from David Moyes’ Everton, the team in tremendous form and certainly difficult to beat. Will they continue as they’ve started? Moyes will hope so but like every other Albion devotee here’s being cautiously optimistic that we can send the Toffees back to Merseyside somewhat gummed up.

Come on you Baggies.

 

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