WHATEVER it was that upset Roy Hodgson on Saturday, you can’t imagine it was anything to do with Simon Cox.

The Albion boss was in no mood for banter or laughter after seeing his side reach the fourth round of the FA Cup.

The Baggies made hard work of their efforts, despite the scoreline.

Winning 2-0, they allowed that advantage to slip by conceding twice.

They went on to win, of course, but it was a performance that cut across the grain of everything that Hodgson values in football.

Cox might have scored three goals but the individual aspect of his performance was clearly overshadowed by something which did little for Hodgson’s mood.

The Baggies were, way too often, ragged, the shape was out of kilter and at times the defending was organised chaos.

In other words, it was nothing that you’d expect from a Hodgson side.

The Albion boss has prided himself on getting his teams organised, disciplined and compact. Structure and shape is coached into them at all times.

That was not evident on Saturday against a Cardiff side who didn’t give the impression of wanting an FA Cup run.

Malky Mackay could have been forgiven for having his mind elsewhere.

Third in the Championship, with a Carling Cup semi-final looming on the horizon – I can’t imagine an FA Cup third-round clash against top-flight opposition was on his wishlist for January 2012.

However, his side showed spirit and endeavour.

But they couldn’t do much about Peter Odemwingie’s opener – apart from maybe raise their arms and wait for an offside decision.

Craig Dawson played the ball towards the striker who stroked it home and immediately turned to the linesman and waited for the flag that never came.

Odemwingie was practically apologetic with his celebration.