West Bromwich Albion 2 - Colchester United 1

Dave Watkin:

Game of two halves (again)

Albion won in their first-ever league match against Colchester United. The Baggies were totally dominant before the break in a game that was so one-sided that supporters of a certain age were likening it to the famous 7-1 victory over Coventry City in 1978. However, "The U's" were a different proposition in the second half and as the final whistle approached, a nervous Albion were hanging on to their narrow advantage.

In the first half Albion moved forward as a team and it was pleasing to see midfield players in and around the box looking for a goal. After the interval, the team were more stretched and too often only one or two players were in the opposition half when attacks broke down. We all know the major problem, a lack of strikers and we are lucky that so far this appears to have cost us only goals not points. A lack of signings may also partly explain the crowd, our lowest for a league game in over five years.

Pascal Zuberbuhler made one good save, dropped one cross but was generally sound. Fortunately, the defence played for ninety minutes even though others in the team seemed to ease off. The hard tackling Paul Robinson, Curtis Davies and Chris Perry are all candidates for man-of-the-match. Jonathan Greening gave an inspiring performance in the first half, as he beat his full back time and time again. However, he faded after the break along with his fellow midfielders, particularly Gera, who for whatever reason seemed to have problems timing his passes throughout the game. Nathan Ellington took confidence from the goal and Colchester had trouble handling both him and big John Hartson. Richard Chaplow injected energy and pace when he came on and could well have a big part to play during the rest of the campaign.

Overall, I'm relieved we held on for three points, very pleased with the first half performance and very disappointed at the showing after the break.

TEAM NEWS

Albion were unchanged for the fourth successive match.

HIGHLIGHTS

Albion were well on top in the early stages and in an extraordinary sequence won five corners in quick succession as the visitors were unable to clear their lines. We almost scored from two of these flag kicks. Firstly, an in-swinger from Jonathan Greening on the left was headed powerfully goalwards by John Hartson, only for a defender to make an unbelievable headed clearance from just under the crossbar. Then Greening pulled a right wing corner away from goal, Nathan Ellington shot first time on the half-volley and the keeper tipped the ball over the bar.

A first goal was only slightly delayed, for in the 11th minute Albion were awarded a penalty. The ball was played in to John Hartson on the edge of the penalty area and as he turned his marker he was virtually wrestled to the ground. NATHAN ELLINGTON stepped up and stroked the ball into the bottom corner of the net.

Albion continued to apply pressure and a reinvigorated Nathan Ellington brilliantly twisted past his marker on the left and hit a low cross to Greening, but the midfielder delayed his shot long enough for a defender to get a block in. A shot from Curtis Davies hit a post, before a well directed free kick from Paul Robinson was saved at full stretch by the keeper. The number of corners gained by Albion was well into double figures before, in the 41st minute, they got the all important second goal. Steve Watson created the chance by clipping a neat ball to RONNIE WALLWORK, who beat a defender before firing hard and low past the keeper.

The hoped for avalanche of goals in the second half never arrived as Colchester, who up until this point had been content to sit back and defend, decided to have a go at the Baggies. First, it took an excellent diving block by Pascal Zuberbuhler to keep out a fierce right foot shot from Garcia. Then only fine defending from Chris Perry and Curtis Davies prevented the U's from further testing the Swiss keeper.

A rare exception saw Nathan Ellington hit a fiery rising drive which was well saved by the keeper, but soon Albion's fire power was significantly reduced when first a disappointing Gera was replaced by Darren Carter and then Ellington, still suffering from his hamstring problem, was substituted by Richard Chaplow. Later, Martin Albrechtsen came on for a tiring Wallwork.

Chaplow, operating as an emergency striker, engineered a chance for himself by robbing a defender and cutting in on goal. However rather than going for goal he responded to a call from Hartson (the senior pro) and the chance was lost. It didn't seem to matter at the time, but, immediately after a double substitution in the 83rd minute, Colchester pulled a goal back. Lack of concentration saw Watson unmarked from a throw, he whipped in a cross and one of the subs Garcia nipped in to nick the ball home. Fortunately, Albion managed to step up their game for the remaining minutes, hold possession and complete a less than assured victory.

ALBION FORMRATE: GOOD (first half) POOR (second half)

MAN-OF-THE-MATCH: CHRIS PERRY

thecads:

Fantastic first half, shocking second half. should have been 6 up in the first half.

i don't think our problems at the moment are the forward line - i think duke and john will score goals given the service. yes, we need other options and are desperate for back up, but i think our problem is the midfield, on today's and hull games.

first half, our midfield pushed up and supported the forwards, as shown by the second goal. second half the midfield dropped back, were happy to defend the lead and hence we had in contrast a very poor performance.

corners were woeful - step forward mr greening - how the hell did you get man of the match - he couldn't pass, he couldn't beat the first man on corners, he had to beat a man three times before he got average crosses in. we have got to improve our set piece delivery - mr koumas, you may be an arrogant tw** but get yourself fit and on our current midfield form, you'll walk in the team.

gera started well but his passing was poor later on. he didn't look happy coming off after 60 minutes - he's a pale shadow of the player from 2 years ago.

ronneh was okay today, compared to previous games - looked fitter, but needs pace. his goal was well taken. wish he pushed up more.

quashie was the pick of the bunch - he passed the ball well, got stuck in and showed pace and purpose.

i think we will rue not signing david thompson because to me our midfield are just not passing well enough or pacey enough. we don't have enough pace to get forward and then get back.

the introduction of chaplow brought hunger and energy to the pitch. he really should have shot when he chose to pass back to big john. but i think he showed more drive than the majority of our midfield in the 20 minutes he played.

also, our midifled need to have the guts to have a shot - how many times did our midfield have a chance to shoot at range - mind you having seen their shooting in the warm up i'm not surprised. i watched the players training at the training ground in midweek and with the exception of FFS their shooting was dreadful (ellie, gera and quashie were on international)

yes, we need strikers, but we have got to get the midfield service, passing and movement right. i really wish we'd signed damien francis 2 years ago when we had the chance - pace, aggression and skill... and goals.

we've never replaced richardson, koumas or earnshaw...... until we do that, we're going to struggle when we play against stronger teams.

we've beaten 2 weaker teams and drawn away to 2 stronger, but in both the away games our midfield lost the battle.

for our fowards to fire (whoever they are) we need the midfield right too.

Manmarks today-

• zubi - 7 2 good saves, dropped the ball once.
• robbo - 7 back to his best
• watto - 6 - fine defensively - offers nothing going forward. obviously what robbo wants.... albie came on and whizzed past three of their players with his pace - if we want to win games, it's what we need.
• perry - 8 - superb - read the game brilliantly - some superb interceptions
• davies - 7 solid
• greening - 5 woeful second half - see above - poor corners, dradful passing, got to drop him.
• ronneh - 6 - ok took goal well - better than previous games. oh and he has signed a new contract, robbo reckoned he deserves the security???
• quashie - 7 criticised him last time, but i thought he was the most all round, effective midfielder.
• gera - 6 passing poor today, tried hard, but one of those games where didn't work for him.
• bbj - 6 - lost the ball too much today when trying to dribble, trick, flick
• ellie - 6 took pen well, looked best today for ages. still needs to offer more with his movement

• chaplow - 7 looked hungry, had desire, moved. lost the ball a bit too much when dribbling, but he was isolated up front.
• albie - 6 - not on long, but his pace is devastating at this level - play him at Rb and watto and right midfield - where he played for everton
• carter - 6 did he touch the ball? playing wide right?? why? robson's poor tactic choice, although did move central when ronneh off

ref was terrible - think it was a pen, but too many dodgy decisons for both teams - got corners and free kicks wrong when obviously the other way.

robson has got to identify realistic striker targets, get peace to spend the money and get different pacey options in now. not kuqi - we need pace and movement - we also need hunger and desire - i.e. a young player - i think nugent - so what if he's 3.5 million - get him.

robson still needs to sort midfield - too many players underachieving and thinking too defensively second half?? it's up to him to gee them up and push them up the bl**dy pitch.

it's too early yet to tell how we will fare this year. we need to face a bigger team at home, to see how good or poor we really are.

BRE Baggies:

We got three points which is the most important thing but we struggled near the end. We realy need a back up striker now because Ellington has gone off injured three times on the trot.

Its a difficult situation at the moment because none of the players (apart from Gera) played badly today. The thing is, the shape of the side dont look right. We still dont seem to have anything coming throught middle threatening and alkthought the passing was great first half, can we do that against good teams. I think we really ned Chaplow starting but I dont knw who to drop. Although its controversial, I think Gera might have to be the one because he look not interestetd at the moment, maybe his head is messed up about all of this move speculation.

The Defence look unbreakable at times and we should get lean sheets galore but Zubi does need to work on the balls coming into the box and I cant help but think soon a David James type mistake will be his downfall and allow Steele into the side.

Overall, I'm happy we are still unbeaten but I do think change needs to be made soon with the strikeforce and maybe with the midfield.

Ratings:

• Zubi: 1 good save but also a drop. Dont know if he had a chance with the goal.
• Watson: Steady but lacking in pace. May struggle against a fast left winger this year.
• Perry: reads the game so well and always looks at ease. Very good signing.
• Davies: Looks a class act, very athletic, should be one part of the best defence in the championship this season. If we keep him I am very happy.
• Robinson: If davies and Perry are the best cd partnership in the league then Robinson is the best left back in the league. The man is a legend. Never bottled a thing and seems to be good with free kicks now and also going forard. MOM possibly.
• Gera: Wants a move, has got more chance of having Paris Hilton at the moment. Didn't look interested and was the worst player in the side. I was hoping he would set this division alight, at the moment he is doing the opposite. I think after the transfer window he will pick up again.
• Greening: Dont do as well running the wing as I hoped but he os try hard. He needs to start getting the ball in the box from corsses and corners though because he is still sh*t at that.
• Wallwork: Worked hard and took goal well. Good passes to Hartson but silly booking. Still think we need some more drive in the centre of midfield though - but who do you drop?
• Quashie: God hardworking performance again from a god midfielder. Once again as with Wallwork though - you have to ask if we can accomodate two midfielders who are more defensive than attacking in the entre of midfield.
• Ellington: Good penalty and tried with someruns but still not looking too sharp and he dont have much pace at the minuite. I hope once back to full fitness he will be at his best but he needs to improve a bit.
• Hartson: Rules the air and looks a different player to the Walsall friendly. One gripe is how much he pushes and pulls other players but he is good and will cause many problems for every defence in the air this season.

Subs:

• Alby: Poor showing when he came on even if he did take on 2 players at one stage.
• Carter: Played at Rm - the best place to play a lcm. Even out of position though he tried and worked hard without ever really setting tyhe world alight. Could be good in this league but he will have trouble getting in the side with the amount of midfielders.
• Chaplow: Best of the subs, played just off hartson and his running is great, his tackling was great and his workrate was great. Made some very good through balls and I think he deserves a start. One problem was he does give the ball away a bit but I'm sure once he has a few games that will change. I like him.

Lord Charles:

Looking from the outside in, I would imagine that everything in the garden is rosy at the Hawthorns. From my vantage point I see a club that is going backwards and heading down the road to ?Championship Obscurity?.

We have a chairman who runs the club like a poor man?s Doug Ellis. I lay the blame fairly and squarely at the feet of Mr Peace. It was he who blocked the January signings of the two lads from ?Boro which would I feel kept us in the Premier League. Also his tactics in transfer dealings have prevented several players joining the Club (Radzinski and Thompson to mention just two). This information is gleaned from people who are extremely close to the Football Club and like me are not happy with what?s going on.

Reports suggest that Albion?s season ticket sales are 35% down on last season. Yesterdays 17500 attendance was the lowest for years (for a league game) and I predict will drop even lower (by up to 2000) unless there is improvement both on and off the field.

Some reading this will, I am sure, say that this is a huge over reaction but this is how I see it.

Now onto the game: Albion started very well and dominated the opening 41 minutes against a team that will struggle to avoid relegation. The lack of fire power enabled Colchester to still have a chance at half time despite being 2-0 down. I was pleased to see Ellington score his first goal of the season; even if it was from a debatable penalty. Wallwork?s first goal of the season rounding off a fine move should have removed any nerves and encouraged Albion to take Colchester apart.

I should have known better and the warning signs were there even before half time that Albion had decided that it was game over and stopped playing. The second half was dreadful; no one seemed to want the ball and there was little or no movement off the ball. The introduction of Chaplow improved the situation and he stood out for me in the closing minutes as Albion struggled to hang on against a team that will be little more than canon fodder for most clubs in the Championship.

Robinson for me had his best game in ages and there were solid performances from Perry, Quashie and Chaplow. Gera worries me though. Perhaps it is his desire to leave the Club is the reason for another abject performance. The sponsors decision to award Greening man of thematch was a surprise but the booing was totally unjustified. Greening whilst not playing well was at least more involved today, usually he disappears. I do feel we lack leadership on the pitch. Davies may well be a decent player and an excellent prospect but he?s no captain. Robson should have given the armband to Robinson who would lead by example.

Sorry if the majority of this posting seems negative but it is how I see it.

Chiang Mai Baggie:

We played really well for most of the first half (at least Colchester made us look good) but then proceeded to go to sleep at half time, and nearly ended up with only a point. We should have been at least 4 up at HT if we'd any finishing power, and in the second half we looked as if we'd decided the job was already done in the first 45 minutes. Then we gave away a sloppy goal, not defending well from a corner, and the pressure was on until the end.

All in all it was both encouraging and disappointing today, and somewhat similar to the Saints game, where we dominated the first half hour without scoring, and then let them control the rest of the match.

Rumours were flying round that both Radzinski & Kuqi would sign today, but I guess that hasn't happened.

Hope things are better in the next few games, but at least we won today (the other 2 games I've seen were both 0-0).

Thoughts on players:

• Zubi is a nightmare at times, and his kicking is very poor.
• Perry played well most of the game, and is a good influence on Davies, who looks either class or rubbish when he makes howlers.
• Ronneh had a good first half, but got booked for stupidly booting the ball away in the second.
• Quashie will get sent off again one day soon, as he looks like he could explode if he doesn't keep tight control.
• Gera isn't fully fit/confident yet, had a few touches of class, but still doesn't look his old self.
• Greening ran rings round the Colchester defence in the first half today, but the final cross wasn't forthcoming often enough, and he faded badly in the second half.
• Hartson caused trouble, and won the penalty, but also looks a candidate for a red sooner rather than later. He was booked for a challenge in the first half that looked harsh in itself, but a friend thought he was booked for dissent more than the elbow on the shoulder as he jumped.
• Ellington doesn't look fit yet, or confident, although he took the penalty really well, and looked a little better after that. If he can score a goal or two I think his confidence will return.

As for the subs, Carter was poor today, Chaplow looked lost most of the time, and Albrechtsen didn't have much chance to run at the Colchester defence after he came on. Robson should have brought Ina on today for the second half, he certainly would have been better than Carter.

Thoughts:

• Too much one-touch fancy flicking of the ball rather than controlling and passing, and not enough movement off the ball to create openings.
• We seem incapable of pressurizing the opposition for more than about half an hour, and don't convert enough of the chances we make. We need to sign 2 more strikers and a creative midfielder asap.
• 17,500 was a dreadful attendance. JP must be wincing when he looks at the gate receipts. Hopefully he'll realise why people are voting with their feet.

COUCHCRITIC:

Can't see the point of bringing Koumas back when our 'master technician' Robson is likely to waste his talent as he did with Earnshaw by keeping him on the bench! For pity's sake,we were a Premiership side last season yet we are struggling to compete with minnows, mainly through poor organisation, crap players like Carter and no meaningful leadership coming from the manager.

We hear his same excuses week after week, how the players need to improve, defend better, use the ball better etc etc. He's paid to sort these things out but he's not up to the job.

Martin C:

Lord Charles, you are not over reacting - you are bang on! Peace "lost" the best manager we've had for 20 years. He is responsible for what may well prove to be a steady demise of the club. Only 17,000 turned up yesterday and it was like a morgue. Conservatively, about 5,000 season ticket holders have not renewed and there is a danger that a similar 5,000 "waverers" will do the same next year if we don't get some strikers in and quick.

As to the match the first half shows what they can do when they apply themselves and Robson deserves some credit for that but why can't we play for (anywhere near) 90 minutes? Robson - any ideas?

BLOWERS:

A game of two halves AGAIN!!! Just what does B.R say to the boys at half-time?!

Cracking start and 6 corners in the first 10 mins which could have seen Hartson score with a typical bustling header. Duke also had a great shot tipped over by The Col U keeper. A lot more movement down the right hand side than usual which saw Wallwork brought into the game a little more.

Greening seemed half a sleep for most of the first half and some of his deliveries from corners were truly awful. Am I right in thinking he is left footed? I know that he has two good feet, but can we not get someone else to take the corner kicks from his wrong side, hence improving our chances of beating the first man? I think the voters for MOTM spent more time quaffing wine and canapes than watching the game!

Gera seemed quiet today which makes me worried, he has already expressed he wants away, I just hope we can keep him.

I have to comment on Paul Robinson as I saw today the man that all should use as an example. In risking his ?good looks? clearing the ball at the feet of a Colchester player and leaving the said player with a sore foot! Brilliant Robbo, 100% commitment and 100% my MOTM.

On 20 mins Hartson won a penalty, although having seen it on TV I have to feel that Colchester were a little hard done by as the ?foul? was outside the box. Duke took it and slotted home well.

I have to admit that I was in the bar at the BRE buying myself and Daddy Blowers a beer and a Balti pie when Wallwork scored, but it was a great finish and I hope to see him more in advanced positions.

So the second half, watered and fed and ready for more of the same (or so we thought!) I cannot really comment about the second half as I spent most of it with my head in my hands praying to the god of half time team talks. Abysmal, shocking, lacklustre are three words that describe our efforts and stronger ones were used by my fellow fans in the BRE.

My thoughts at the final whistle, apart from trying to get a beer in the Wagon, were that if we play like the first 45 mins for 90 mins we could beat anyone in this league. On the flipside, if we play like we did for the second 45 we could lose to anyone.

But, that is why we are the Albion. Never a dull moment, never predictable. Who?d be a Chelski fan, eh??!!

• Zubi ? Looks in control, but Corrigan needs to work on his handling. 7/10
• Perry ? Another solid game, he is to be our steadie-eddie this season. 8/10
• Watto ? his passing is awful and lacks pace. 6/10
• Davies ? A good partnership is forming with Perry, he really is class. 8/10
• Robbo ? My MOTM, just for the headed clearance alone. 9/10
• Greening ? One trick pony and did not look at the races, when will he take a corner that will beat the first man. MOTM!!!!!??? No Way! 5/10
• Quashie ? As expected gritty, but we need more creation. 6/10
• Wallwork ? His best game for a while, and a great finish ? more please Ronnie. 8/10
• Gera ? Very quiet today, I am afraid he may be on his way out of The Hawthorns 6/10
• Hartson ? Won a dubious pen. A partnership is forming with Duke. Encouraging 7/10
• The Duke ? Better, more effort and the pen should help confidence. 8/10
• Carter ? Looks a better player, but still a bit ?headless chicken!? 6/10
• Albrechtson ? Should start ahead of Watto, we need his pace. 6/10
• Chappie ? This boy could be great for us this season, give him a chance BR. 6/10
• Robson ? Two correct sub decisions, Albrechtson for Watson would have made 3! I still would love to know what he says at half-time to make us so poor in the second 45?! 6/10
• Albion fans ? Subdued and 17K ? very poor 6/10
• Col U fans ? Had a go for a small turn-out 7/10
• Match highlight ? Robbo?s headed clearance at the feet of Col U player ending in injury to Col U players foot. Legendary.

Lamp Baggie:

Another up and down performance against a very poor Colchester team, however, another 3 points in the bag.

We benefited from another dodgy refereeing decision - we are now one of the bigger players in league and we are getting the breaks - 4 games in & Robson has not moaned about any refs - is this a record?

First half we played excellent possession football we tried to walk the ball into the back of the net and to be fair we did!!! Ronneh in no mans land with a cgood - we will have to wait another 19 months for his next one.

However, we have no real pace & bite and IMO our build up play although nice to watch is too laboured - Robson set us last year to defend our way to safety and we are finding it difficult to change our ways - for all our possesion we only created a couple of clear cut chances - and the second half what a shambles as we hung on for 3 points.

We need someone much more dynamic in midfield - Quashie was again our best midfielder - he gets involved & mixes it up - but I dont think him & Ronneh work well when we need to take the game to the opposition - Gera very poor does not look happy - Jesus - boy is this bloke frustrating great talent but delivery too slow & usually poor.

At home Albie should be in berfore Watson hes much more positive - Robbo much better today did what he does best no fear got forward - Zubi, Davies & Perry - solid enough - but yet again we conceded a sloppy set piece goal.

Duke much better - but first touch at times very poor also Chaplow - Johnny H quiet game but not much service - this bloke needs to play in the opposition's box not left-mid as he was for most of 2nd half.

Why does Robson persist with Carter as a wide player - it aint never going to happen - why cant he relace like for like? Chaplow for Gera Albie for Watson - Ina/Carter fot Ronneh - A STRIKER for the Duke - Robsons substitutions almost cost us the 3 points.

All in all after 2nd half display came away very flat which summed up the atmosphere again - we need more quality in central midfield & a couple of strikers (strong & quick not fat & slow).

It's good to see Peace's holiday when we went down wasn't wasted and he had all summer to sort out the squad & also the ability of Robson to attract the quality players - the bottom line is money talks and our reputation as poor payers will be our downfall - we persuaded Johnny H to take a pay cut but this is the exception to the rule.