What a contrast. The early goal undoubtedly helped, but for the first time this season, Albion went away from home and looked like a side capable of winning the game and, amazingly enough, they did just that albeit after extra time.

If Robson had not given Inamoto a chance last night, there would have been some even more serious doubts about his managerial ability. But Ina got his chance and, unlike Koumas when given an opportunity in the cup match at Spurs last season, the Japanese international grasped it with both hands and produced a simply outstanding performance against his former club.

Robson was forced into a number of other changes from the side that lost at Bolton. Injury meant that Riccardo Scimeca replace Albrechtsen at right back and with Curtis Davies cup-tied, we were back to a back four with Big Dave and Clem in the middle. Ronnie Wallwork returned to the side alongside Inamoto in the centre of midfield and Kanu and Earnshaw were partnered in attack. Ellington missed out through injury.

Inamoto was simply outstanding. He was man of the match by a mile even before he scored. His touch, skill on the ball, tackling, tracking and intelligent passing was superb. Even Robson cannot ignore that performance. He set up Earnie with an exquisite pass inside three minutes, and the diminutive Welshman produced a superbly-timed run and a confident finish to give Albion the lead.

For much of the first half, there was some good football from Albion as the invention and drive originating from Inamoto filtered through the team. Unfortunately, Albion could not turn their domination into further goals and almost paid for it when slack marking left Zesh Rehman with a free header just before the break - thankfully, he failed to hit the target.

The second half was a different game as Papa Bouba Diop was brought on and in a stroke made Fulham a much more potent outfit. It was an even game, although Fulham had most of the possession although largely in front of the Albion defence. Kamara and Inamoto both went close to extending the visitors' lead.

Carter, who had taken a knock in the first half and had a fairly ineffectual game, was replaced by Chaplow on 54 minutes and he was involved in the move that saw Kanu feed Earnshaw through on goal. Warner rushed out recklessly and was rounded by Earnie, but his effort was headed away to Chaplow, whose goalbound effort was cleared off the line by Knight.

On 63 minutes, Scimeca failed to keep up with Albion's high line and Boa Morte beat the offside to latch onto Malbranque's ball and he beat Kuszczak with a neat finish.

When Malbranque left a foot in on Robinson, it was clear that a booking for Robbo was on the way. Sure enough, he returned the favour with interest minutes later and was duly cautioned.

There were chances at either end as neither defence looked entirely comfortable but it was Albion that regained the lead. A regulation back pass was miscontrolled by Warner with three minutes left, and Kanu was alert enough to latch onto the loose ball and round the 'keeper to give Albion what looked like the winner.

Of course, it's never that simple. Despite bringing on Gaardsoe to shore up the defence, a free kick in injury time was headed in by Helguson to take the game into extra time.

In a way, it was a good thing because we would not have witnessed the spectacular winner otherwise. Nine minutes into the extra thirty, Inamoto picked up the ball deep in his own half, neatly turned to skip away from Bouba Diop before starting a powerful run towards the Fulham goal. Then, when fully 35 yards from the net, he unleashed an unstoppable shot that flew into the top corner. It was a memorable way to cap a memorable performance.

Despite a number of late set pieces, Albion managed to keep the home side out for the remainder of extra time and held out for a place in the last sixteen. The sour note came at the end of the game. Knight unnecessarily went through on Robinson off the pitch - Robbo retaliated with a kick and received a red card. On the video evidence, there's not much room for doubt and I find the clubs actions today, to lodge and then withdraw and appeal, a little embarrassing. Yes Knight was the aggressor, but Robbo should've controlled himself. It's a big blow to lose him for three games, but there you have it.

And, dare I say it, the much-maligned Mr Wallwork had a good game too - he and Ina worked well together covering one another and always available for a pass. Ronnie probably benefited from not playing on Saturday as he looked sharp and read the game well.

Kanu, Kamara and Earnie all played well. Chaplow did well although he continues to show signs of his inexperience that only continued opportunities will overcome.

Riccy had a steady game at right back, Kuszczak looked good on shot stopping but got away with a few less than convincing forays to try to claim crosses.

It was a great night but let's not get too carried away. Neither Moore nor Clement were particularly convincing and, after Robson brought TG on to shore things up, we still conceded from a set piece. A good run and header to be fair, but disappointing from a defensive point of view all the same.

We should also remember that it was a much-changed Fulham side - they looked far more potent once Bouba Diop came on.

As for the Robinson incident, he did appear to kick out at Knight who had gone straight through Robbo off the pitch (Fulham actually got a throw-in), but was perhaps unlucky to get a straight red card - a yellow would have been about right which would still mean a sending off, but only a one match ban. I'd be surprised if D'Urso changes his mind though.

The biggest difference in the Albion side was Inamoto - he has the ability to pick the ball up deep and run at players through the middle and, with bags of pace in Kamara and Earnie, he always had an option. It meant that the whole side was much more positive in its outlook. I've been calling for him to start like most Baggies fans, but I didn't expect him to have such an impact.