West Brom 3, Blackpool 2: Chris Lepkowski's big match verdict
Mar 15 2010 by Christopher Lepkowski, Birmingham Mail
SIX wins, seven, maybe eight? Who knows.
That will depend on how well the other teams do.
What’s clear is that Albion are edging closer towards their goal.
Saturday’s victory put a little daylight between themselves and Nottingham Forest. Effectively it’s a two-game swing due to Albion’s goal difference.
And it’s that time of year that these permutations need to be considered.
What is clear is that Albion are coming into form at the right time.
Their performance on Saturday was way from perfect. It was flawed in so many ways.
But, at this stage of the season, you want a good reliable runner, that continues to motor – not a gas-guzzler that looks good, shows sporadic form but runs out of steam. Aesthetics can wait – that time of the season has passed.
And Albion are at a stage where, logistically, they need to think about permutations. Saturday’s 3-2 victory puts them on 69 points, five more than Nottingham Forest with 10 games to go. Still a long straight to negotiate for all concerned.
But, given previous seasons, one would have to assume that a points total of around 84-87 would be enough for Albion to cross the line in second spot (they won the title with 81 two years ago and Blues were second with 83 last year). So Albion probably need to win about six of their remaining games.
Albion’s victory had a touch of class but also good fortune about it.
The former came in the form of Robert Koren’s second goal in as many games. It was Albion’s second goal. A long range drive with his left foot.
The good fortune came from Giles Barnes being brought down by Joe Martin. The hapless Blackpool left-back had been struggling, not for the first time during the afternoon.
Was it a foul? No doubt. But whether the initial challenge was made outside or inside the box is unclear. Not even replays offered any clarity. Barnes apparently apologised to Martin afterwards. The referee made his own choice. Up steps Graham Dorrans for his ninth spot-kick of the season, goal, game over.
