A Fan's View: Albion 5 Watford 0

Last updated : 02 November 2009 By Wba-mad Editor

Starting line-up

We took to our seats to hear the team news and as expected there was no Mulumbu, but it’s not all bad when you can bring in someone of Jara’s quality; perhaps not quite got the same engine as Youssouf but he’s got a physical presence, is tough tackling and certainly knows how to pick a pass out and rarely wastes possession.

But with Brunty and Bednar still not match fit, who was going to RDM going to pick to re-create that spark that has been missing in recent weeks?  It was good to see Robby give Teixeira a starting place and what a relief to hear Simon Cox’s name read out – even if it was partnering Luke ‘warm’ Moore!  Overall it looked a much more balanced team and we had such quality on the bench if required.

The game kicked off with Albion looking comfortable in possession whilst closing Watford down quickly and not giving them time to settle on the ball.

The Hornets played the ball across their back line with ease but who cares, they can’t score from there.

On five minutes Dorrans swung in a free-kick from the left and man mountain Olsson rose highest to head his third goal of the season. Oh what a lovely change to score first and this now meant Watford had to come forward and attack more allowing the game to open up.

With the Baggies controlling the game it was no surprise when in the 17th minute the lively Moore (yes I said the lively Moore!) was brought down in the area and Dorrans duly converted the spot kick.  Not long after Moore went racing through on goal again, but with the combination of defender and goalkeeper upending him, the referee decided Moore had dived with the goal at his mercy.  A booking ensued.  A typical forward’s challenge on the halfway line had the Watford supporters baying for Moore to be given his second yellow and dismissal from the game.  Perhaps Mr Miller felt guilty about booking Moore earlier and let him off.

After the break

With the second-half only five minutes old Moore went racing through on goal but this time the keeper was equal to his shot. The striker chased the loose ball, turned and drove a low shot into the far corner of the net, 3-0 game over. Moore ran straight to RDM as if to acknowledge the manager’s faith in him.

Just after the hour mark Gianni Zuiverloon went on a mazy run into the box and unselfishly squared the ball to Thomas who with the goal at his mercy managed to hit the only defender on the line.  A minute later the right-back was there again but thought better of passing this time and unleashed a low shot into the bottom corner of the net.

Moore and Cox were linking up well and the latter got his just rewards in the 69th minute when he unleashed a shot from outside the box.  First impressions were the visiting keeper should have done better but that’s not taking anything away from Cox.  5-0 to Albion.

In conclusion

Carson’s kicking was outstanding and looked more commanding on crosses.  The back-four were solid enough and were well covered by MOM Jara and his partner in crime Dorrans whilst Tex had an impressive run out.  Thomas flitted in and out of the game but is always a threat.  Up front Moore lead the line well and seemed up for the challenge, let’s hope he can repeat this more consistently.  Cox ran his socks off and showed some lovely touches and capped his performance with a goal.  Hopefully he will be given an extended run in the side and prove what an excellent purchase he was.

Looking forward to locking horns with our high flying neighbours from Leicester and seeing Shakey and Pearson again, let’s just hope they aren’t smiling at 5:45 next Saturday!

Boing Boing, keep the faith

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