West Brom 3, Preston 2: Chris Lepkowski's big match verdict
Mar 22 2010 by Christopher Lepkowski, Birmingham Mail
I WONDER what Darren Carter made of it all?
Carter was sat on the Preston North End bench on Saturday listening to the jeers which accompanied Luke Moore’s introduction as a second-half sub.
The irony can’t have been lost on him.
The ex-Albion midfielder has history. He was subjected to boos during a poor run of form four years ago. He never really recovered at B71.
Question is, how will Moore react?
Let’s make it clear that the Albion striker has hardly helped himself.
His body language has never been the best, his form has never reached the levels that any of us expect and, let’s be kind, his goal return is pretty woeful for a striker who was so highly-rated as a youngster and has previously scored Premier League hat-tricks.
But Albion fans – albeit an audible minority – stepped over the boundaries of decency when they booed one of theirs before he had even kicked a ball.
He may not be everyone’s cup of tea. But since when did booing a player ever help?
Will Moore be lifted by the heckles, or will his shoulders simply drop further?
The response from most supporters was to chant his name and re-sample one of Spandau Ballet’s finest hits. Credit to them.
Moore reacted in the best possible manner. He produced a lively, energetic and hard-working performance. It was commendable.
As displays go it was the nearest you could get to two fingers. Let’s hope it proves a defining moment in his Albion career.
Sadly, the episode overshadowed Albion’s latest step towards promotion.
The first half was like old times. Albion attacked with grace and precision, but defended with haste and indecision.
The opener came through Ben Watson. Youssouf Mulumbu started the move, Robert Koren passed to Ishmael Miller, who returned the ball to Koren.
The Slovenian’s pass touched Sean St Ledger and fell into Watson’s lap. He slotted the ball past Andy Lonergan.
Number two came when Graham Dorrans, who lifted his performance by yet another bar, produced a moment of magic.
