Boss admits Stoke faults

Last updated : 05 April 2009 By Wba-mad Editor

Tony Mowbray admitted his players fell well short of required Premier League standards during the dismal 2-0 defeat to bogey team Stoke City.

Early goals in the first and second half were enough to hand Stoke their first away win of the season and almost condemn the Baggies to relegation back to the Championship.

As much as the hosts pressed for a way back into the game Albion failed to test visiting 'keeper Thomas Sorenson into a save - whilst at the other end suicidal defensive errors again reared their ugly head.

At the final whistle Tony Mowbray admitted his side lacked any sort of quality in their attempt to improve their survival chances but refused to question his team's application to the game.

"I would not accuse the players of a lack of effort or determination," said Mowbray.

"We got hurt from what we have been hurt from all season - poor defending.

"You plan all week for a game but those plans went out of the window after two minutes.

"The bottom line is that it is all about footballers.

"We were found wanting at both ends of the pitch.

"It wasn't just about the goals we conceded because not scoring at home is always frustrating and disappointing.

"At both ends of the pitch we fell short.

"To give Stoke a goal after two minutes was a scenario we didn't want.

"We talked about getting the first goal and trying to drag them out but we played into their hands.

"Great credit to them - they defend very well.

"Even at the death they were still throwing their bodies in and getting blocks."