On a night that was really about honouring the memory of a truly great player, Albion were up against a strong United team that produced a performance fitting for the occasion. The Albion defence made it far too easy in the early stages gifting the hosts a two goal lead, but did produce some decent football at times and at least managed to grab a consolation goal.

That goal keeps the Duke's scoring run going, four in three games now, and hopefully the result won't dent Albion's confidence too much. A cup run is good in that, by definition, it keeps a team used to winning, but we all know Saturday's game against Fulham is far more important.

Jon Want, 1st December 2005.