27th September 2003: Another three
points was required, and it duly arrived. Again, it wasn't the most
convincing performance but a win's a win.
The early dismissals obviously disrupted both sides but Albion never
really got to grips with the 4-3-2 formation and it could be said
that Stoke probably coped better. Albion were always the better side
but never really looked comfortable, even when they had a man advantage
late on.
I'm pleased that Dobie scored so soon after missing that chance, both
because it won us the points and because it hopefully restored a bit
of what is apparently a very fragile self-confidence.
And as for the referee, I actually thought he did alright for the
last 85 minutes, but what was he thinking? I didn't witness the incident
- I was just entering the stadium having been caught up in the traffic
problems on the M6 near Birmingham - but from all reports, it was
a failr innocuous confrontation that happens on every corner kick
in every match. And GM made a good point in that, as it appeared that
Eustace committed the first offence, should it not have been a penalty?
I fully expect the red cards to be rescinded, but that means that
the referee has to admit a mistake.....
And so the Baggies march on, remaining in third place although now
just a point off the top. It's important to get another three points
at home to Millwall and we can head to Priesfield with the pressure
off to a certain extent. But then there's another crucial period of
three home games in eight days later in the month.
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