West Bromwich Albion 1 - Wigan Athletic 0

Brendan Clegg:

Very brief thoughts.

We were much better, stronger and more cohesive than I thought we’d be when I saw the lineup. I think that’s a credit to the young players who did really well and the older pros who treated it seriously. It helped also that we had some really decent pace right through the team.

What I found most pleasing was our Academy players never hoofed it - they all played it quickly, bravely, on the deck, to a blue and white shirt. We probably should’ve scored more but our lack of experience and the fact we played without a genuine striker probably cost us that.

Positive performance, clean sheet, into the hat.

• Bond - 7 I was impressed. Didn’t have to do a lot but looked cool, kicking was quite good and did all that was asked of him.
• Holgate - 7 Strong debut. Quick, looked a more natural right back, good on the ball.
• Bartley - 7 in fairness he looked much better at right cb and passing was decent.
• Tosin - 7 Thought he did really well in the centre, aerially and on the floor.
• Townsend - 7 Puts the effort in and plays incisive low passes instead of hoofing it. Shame for him he has Gibbs ahead of him.
• Field - 6 Got caught once or twice trying to control difficult balls but reads the game so well. Desperately needs games.
• Harper - 7 Looks good enough to come in for Livermore. Strong, rapid over 10 yards, assured on the ball.
• Brunt - 7 Loads of good moments. Should be proud of how he led the team on and treated the game.
• Sako - 6 Carries an unpredictable threat. Erratic but panics people and creates space.
• Hoolahan - 7 Playing as a false 9 at his age! He absolutely ran his legs off, linked play well and just lacked the pace to hurt them.
• Leko - 7 Was really impressed with his strength back to goal, how he rolled people and his use of the ball until he got into the box. Another who needs games but a constant threat.

Subs

• Edwards did okay, HRK & Mozza did slow us down a bit.

Peter Wall:

Short report to mark a Cup victory, 28 years to the day that we witnessed... WBA 2 - Woking 4. Both the Manager (Talbot) and his Assistant (S. Allardyce) disappeared immediately.

I am not entirely sure why managers pretend that they are going to take the Cup seriously - then Moore appears to start with the 5ft 6inch midfielder Hoolahan up front? However he was taller than the Referee (and he did play well).

It was a poor game but I felt that our 3rd choice Keeper (Bond—007) did, at least, instil confidence in the defence. New Right Back Holgate (on loan) looks a class act even if he did miss a glorious chance later on.

I suspect Sako is going to drive us all mad with his bursts of talent but a frustrating desire to keep the ball and beat his man at least twice. I thought Harper looked as though he will a very effective player in due course.

Interesting that the UK winners of the massive Euro Millions Lottery are giving much of it away.... Brexit in disguise? I saw a good definition of Horse Sense last week — It keeps horses from betting on People.

We hope Livermore enjoys his Winter break... Bring on those Canaries... Happy New Year!