Huddersfield 0, West Brom 2: Chris Lepkowski's big match verdict

Jan 4 2010 by Christopher Lepkowski, Birmingham Mail

The winger picked out Dorrans, who had ghosted on to the left wing out of the reach of his markers. He ran towards goal, out-pacing Lee Peltier to make it 1-0.

Number two came when Brunt – again underlining his relevance to Albion’s team – played in Chris Wood. The 18-year-old showed the kind of coolness which should perhaps elevate him into the side on a more regular basis. He held off Clarke before smashing his shot low past Alex Smithies.

Carson had a late save to make from a long-range shot to ensure victory.

And so it was that Albion entered the fourth round.

Dorrans, in particular, was influential. His displays during the festive period have raised his bar even further.

Confident going forward, his turn of pace when he is in possession of the ball is impressive. But his overall game has matured. He offers more defensive balance to his play.

Youssouf Mulumbu works well alongside him. His general play goes unnoticed, just like Gonzalo Jara when he occupies that role.

Yet his harrying and hassling gives Dorrans a licence to offer more in the final third.

That has become one of Roberto Di Matteo’s biggest conundrums – Jara or Mulumbu. Both have their own qualities and strengths.

Choosing between the two is a job I’m happy to leave to someone else.

Less desirable is Di Matteo’s quest to find a partner for the lively Simon Cox. Luke Moore flatters to deceive at times, while Bednar is struggling to rediscover former glories.

Wood should be capable but can Albion rest their hopes on an 18-year-old?

Perhaps they aren’t yet willing to burden the teenager with such a responsibility.

You get the feeling the Albion boss is pegging much of his attacking hopes on the returning Ishmael Miller and the potential acquisition of Victor Moses, which probably lends itself more to hope than reality.

Gabriel Tamas, in the meantime, will be a curious acquisition.

A player of some pedigree, with plenty of clubs to his name but with a colourful background. In any case, Albion can brush aside their FA Cup exploits for now. Next up are two of the most important games they will play this season.

The Baggies can put some distance between themselves and third-placed Nottingham Forest over the next fortnight provided they pick up decent results against Billy Davies’ side and Newcastle.

It’ll be a test of Albion’s promotion credentials.

There’s still a nagging feeling that they need a little bit of strengthening. Time will tell whether they do.

In the meantime the romance, or not, of the FA Cup will have to wait.