Andy Munro watches as Blues beat Albion.
Like most local derbies this was a war of attrition, with very little decent football and chances subsequently at a premium.
Albion supporters may feel that they should have had an early penalty but that apart their team huffed and puffed without creating any meaningful chances. Mind you, Blues were equally as poor, especially in a drab first half although they did improve a bit in the second period.
The good points included a solid defence with Nico Gordon again turning in an accomplished performance. In front of him the pick of midfield was Gary Gardner, back to his high energy and rumbustious self.
The goal when it came involved both the impressive Juninho Bacuna and the mercurial Onel Hernandez creating panic and a penalty in the Baggies’ rearguard. Lyle Taylor converted the spot kick with his usual coolness and aplomb.
Blues then held out fairly comfortably to secure a win that leaves them all but mathematically safe. My hope is that Lee Bowyer now takes the opportunity to blood some under-23 youngsters to see if they can cut the mustard and save us some money as there is unlikely to be a surfeit of funds for transfers during the coming close season.
