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Albion Players Bathing In Beer Tommorrow

In the latest single match shirt sponsorship deal, Albion have joined forces with Brierley Hill brewers, Bathams. The Bathams logo will adorn the Albion shirt tommorrow for the visit of Preston.

This will not only be a great advert for the real ale brewery, however, also serve as a tribute to DBA ‘Arthur’ Batham the founder of Bathams who was a lifelong Albion fan and season ticket holder for many years before he passed away aged 83 recently.

Arthur, along with his two sons who now run the brewery,Tim and Matt, used to be at most Albion games. He started his career as an Albion fan in the 1930′s and watched his last game from the Tony Brown Suite when Albion beat Posh on Boxing day.

Bathams are planning to hold a shirt auction to raise money for Cancer Research once the game is over.

Adrian Wright said: “We’re delighted to have struck this partnership with Bathams.

“Both the football club and Bathams are Black Country institutions and I am sure this sponsorship deal will strike a chord with many of our supporters.

“The shirt sponsorship is also a fitting tribute to Arthur, who I am sure would have been proud to see his family name on the shirt of the club he followed so avidly.”

Albion are also hoping to cash in on this deal on top of the sponsorship fee by producing just 50 limited edition shirts that will go on sale tommorrow for £39.99.

Albion injuries heading to danger levels

Joining Roman Bednar who has a thigh injury, Steven Reid who has a groin injury and Jerome Thomas who has a hamstring problem is now Jonas Olsson who picked up a calf problem during the first half in the victory over Swansea. He looks very unlikely to return in time to face Preston at home this coming Sarurday, leaving Roberto Di Matteo with a mounting problem.

“Jonas has a little injury in his calf,” said Di Matteo.

“That’s why we had to make a change at half-time.

“He shouldn’t be out for too long but it’s one more on our injury list and he’ll be very doubtful for our next game.

“I am a bit concerned about our injuries.

“We already had plenty and now that includes Jonas.”

With a few of the fit players like Ishmael Miller and Giles Barnes only just back from long term lay offs and still not properly match fit, Di Matteo will have to be ultra carful in his team sheet choice and substitutional back ups for the foreseeable future.

Bednar and Reid out of Swansea line up as Baggies reel from FA fine

Roman Bednar and Steven Reid are both injured and will be unavailable for tommorrows crunch trip to Swansea. Bednar who only returned from a 3 match injury break Saturday is now ruled out with a thigh injury and Reid has a groing problem.

Ishmael Miller who only recently returned from a 15 month absense due to injury picked up a hamstring problem during the Blackpool game, however , he has reacted well to the treatment and will be fit to face Swansea. The same is also said for Luke Moore who has made a recovery from illness which forced him out of the squad on Saturday.

Jerome Thomas who is suffering with a hamstring problem will not be ready in time for the trip to Swansea, however, Di Matteo is taking it all in his stride.

“The injury situation doesn’t get better, does it?” joked Di Matteo.

“You have a good weekend and think you’re looking good for the next game – and then you’re not!

“We’ve lost Steven from Saturday with a little groin problem while this morning Roman felt his quad so he won’t be available either.

“Jerome is also still out but Luke is a bit better from his flu while Ishmael, who got a kick to his hamstring, is recovering from his knock.

“But we’ll need to assess Ish.

“He’s been out for a long time and the same applies to Steven.

“Steven hasn’t played a lot of games in a short period for a long, long time. That goes for James Morrison too.

“All three of them are feeling the games because they’re not quite up to the tempo.

“I wish I could start Ish every game but we need to take all of these factors into consideration.”

The both teams have been fined for failing to control their players after a brawl at Home Park during February. The fine was £12,500 for both teams, however, £7,500 has been suspended until June next year. Should either team be charged with the same between now and then they will have to pay the other £7,500 plus suffer the consequences of the further breach.

Promotion in our own hands but still possible for 21 other Championship teams.

With all the talk of promotion being in our own hands, people are still missing how close this division still is. With just 10 games left for most teams, eleven for a few, there is still 21 other clubs that could overall the Albion and clinch promotion. Probably a very long shot and i am sure most bookies would offer silly odds on Scunthorpe gaining promotion, however, technically they can still leap frog the Albion.

The Baggies need 25 points to secure promotion, thats 8 wins and a draw, of course this goes down if Notts Forest lose or draw any of their remaining ten fixtures. Forest cannot seem to get a result away from home anymore, the last away win being ironically their 3 – 1 destruction of the Albion some 6 away games back.

Should forest lose just 1 of their remaining 5 away games and the Albion beat Swansea this week, Albion will need just 6 wins and a draw to guarantee premiership football next season.

There are all sorts of twists and turns still to come as the season comes to it’s crescendo, however, the Albion have probably got the harder of the run ins with games at Swansea, Reading, Watford, Doncaster and Crystal Palace to come and home games to play versus Preston, Coventry, Leicester, Middlesborough and Barnsley.

Forest have the following away games, Barnsley, Newcastle, Bristol City, Blackpool and Scunthorpe. Their home games are Peterborough, Crystal Palace, Cardiff, Ipswich, Plymouth.

The 3rd team in the race, Swansea have a run in with games at QPR, Cardiff, Blackpool, Bristol City and Sheffield United. Their home games are of course Albion tommorrow night, followed by Ipswich, Scunthorpe, Barnsley and Doncaster.

Looking at just the 3 most likely teams for the 2nd promotion spot it is inevitable that there will be some twists and turns, that the Albion are not certainty’s for the 2nd spot, however, it seems pretty certain that Newcastle will be promoted before the last day looms, they need just 7 victories from 11 games.

Will the battle be won on the final day of the season? Quite possibly, however, the Albion players seem to be up for the battle and are issuing their war crys already. Robert Koren today said:

“There are still ten games until the end of the season and we need to focus on ourselves.

“We have everything in our hands and we cannot look too much at what Nottingham Forest or anyone else are doing.

“We need to get as many points as possible from these ten games.

“We are full of confidence and we feel we are good enough to go up.

“But we need to show that week in, week out.”

With Forest suffering away day jitters and Albion on a roll, by this time next week the picture may well look much rosier for the Albion. If stats are anything to go by, tommorrows game should be an easy victory for the Baggies as Albion are the Championships top scorers on 71 goals and Swansea the lowest on just 31, what a shame it does not work like that.

Esprit UK Sponsor Albion Shirts Again

Albion have clinched a 2nd deal with Esprit UK to have their logo on the Albion shirts for a 2nd time during the Albion Blackpool game tommorrow.

The Local firm who are owned by life long Baggies fans appeared on Albion shirts for the televised victory over Newcastle in the FA Cup.

Esprit UK, the 4th of the single shirt sponsors are the first to take a non televised game and also the first to take the option twice, others that have sponsored the shirts are Blue Square, Victor Chandler and Sbobet.

News from the Hawthorns is that they have now a shirt sponsor for every home game of the season remaining, so there is very limited opportunity to get sponsorship in this way now, short of away games and dare we say it – play off games should the club not win automatic promotion.

Nouble Off whilst Koren and Barnes Speak out.

Roman Bednar is fighting hard to get fit in time for the visit of Blackpool to the Hawthorns, whilst Jerome Thomas is a major doubt with a hamstring injury suffered during the Owls game midweek.

Bednar has been missing from the Baggies team for 3 games with to a groin injury but could just make it to face Ian Holloway’s men if he comes through training tomorrow.

“We’ll have to wait until tomorrow to see if Roman is okay,” said Di Matteo.

“If he is able to train with the team then we will include him for selection on Saturday.

“If he is not able to train then he will be out of the picture.

“Jerome Thomas is very doubtful for Saturday.

“I found out after the game he had a little problem.

“It’s not a bad injury, it’s a tight hamstring and we’ll see how it improves.”

Simon Cox is a better prognosis, he is now fit and available to play should he be called upon.

Frank Nouble has returned to West Ham after the Albion decided not to extend his loan any longer.

Giles Barnes spoke today of how he has called on his team mates to reproduce the battling sprit from the Owls victory and coast to promotion with ease.

“Everyone who comes to us has to be scrappy because they won’t beat us in a football game of out-passing us,” said Barnes.

“After about 60 to 70 minutes you know things can happen so it’s a case of riding the storm.

“I don’t think we should look at other teams, just keep getting win, win, win and not worry about other teams.

“Even when we go away people try to stop us playing football and get in our faces.

“But we proved on Tuesday we can get into people’s faces and battle.

“It’s was a massive win.

“It was massive for the whole club not just the head coach.

“If we can lock down that automatic spot then we’ll be happy.

“We have to get our professional head back on and be ready for Saturday.”

Robert Koren meanwhile issued a similiar statement when professing how he does not want to end up in the lottery of the play off’s.

Koren who scored a tremendous goal midweek to gain all 3 points for the Albion was at the club when they suffered defeat at the hands of Derby in the play off final at Wembley, he has no desire to suffer the stress or upset of that again.

“I was involved in the play-offs when I arrived at the club and my experience is not nice,” said Koren.

“I prefer the top two so hopefully we will get good results at the end of the season and stay out of the play-offs.

“The play-offs are very difficult and there is a lot of pressure on those games.

“I think we have enough quality to show in the last 11 games that we are good enough.

“We have done a great job so far and we need to stick together.

“We have our fans behind us and they are doing a great job, and on the field we have to play our part.

“Everybody needs to play a part and if we believe it as one, we can do it.”

Koren would like nothing better than to be travelling to the World Cup as a premiership player and thinks the return of long term injured players will bolster the Albion and help secure automatic promotion.

“That is one of the biggest things,” Koren added.

“We have a big squad now with good players and it’s good to see all of the injured players coming back.

“They are showing the right spirit and from the first one to the last one we need to look like a team together.

“From the first to the last everybody has to stick together as a team.

“It’s not about personal things, it doesn’t matter who is playing, we need to stick together, get the right results and reach first or second place at the end of the season.”

Albions final away game versus Palace moved for TV

The final game of the season for the Baggies was to due be Crystal Palace away at Selhurst Park on Sat 24th April, however, due to SKY tv it has now been moved to the following Monday, 26th April.

This will most likely upset all travelling Albion fans as traditionally the Baggies faithful travel to the last game in a theme. The last game normally see’s Baggies fans dressed to represent a player or some other occassion and in the past there have been Vikings to show support of a scandinavian player at the time, togas and all other manner of guises.

Making this a midweek evening game will likely cause disruption to this event for the last game, however, hopefully many fans will still be able to make it and continue in the tradition.

Albion Support Chile Earthquake Appeal

West Bromwich Albion are again jumping to support of another disaster with their shirt sponsorship deals. The home game tommorrow against the Owls will see the Baggies players sporting the “Help Chile” loga along with the British Red Cross website address. A very likely scenario it was too, especially when you remeber that the Albion have 1 Chilean player on their books in the name of Gonzalo Jara who was recuperating from injury back jome in Chile when the quake struck.

The Albion are urging fans to also make donations via the Red Cross site.

Jara, injured and out for the season with a broken metatarsal, was in Santiago when the massive earthquake, measuring 8.8 on the Richter scale, struck his homeland nine days ago. He joined the Baggies from Chilean club Colo Colo last August, when the quake struck he had to evacuate his wife and children from their flat to a nearby park.

Albion are now throwing their weight behind the work of the British Red Cross, which is working hand in hand with the Chilean Red Cross to provide relief to the disaster-struck country.

Having successfully raised awareness of, and funds for, the DEC’S Haiti Appeal by adding supportive logos to the players’ shirts at Newcastle in January, Albion have now donated the same advertising space to the Chilean aid effort.

All 18 shirts used for tommorows match will be auctioned of by the club on their website, with all proceeds going, at Jara’s request, directly to Talcahuano, where the military have been called in to help stricken locals.

Jara has also played his part in helping his fellow countrymen by appearing on a 24-hour fundraising Telethon on national TV in Chile.

“When we heard about the earthquake, we were greatly concerned about the well being of Gonzalo and his family and were relieved to hear they are safe,” said Albion Chairman Jeremy Peace.

“The fact one of our own players is at the scene of the earthquake and that his close family has been affected by it has brought this tragedy closer to home – and we wanted to play our part in raising funds for the aid effort.

“We have again decided to utilise the flexible nature of our shirt sponsorship, which we hope will encourage people to support the work of the Red Cross in the region.

“Gonzalo has also asked the Club to pledge any funds raised to the relief work being undertaken in his home city of Talcahuano, which we are only too happy to do.”

Caroline Leighton, Red Cross operations director for Staffordshire, Warwickshire and the West Midlands, said: “We are grateful to West Bromwich Albion for highlighting our appeal as help is still desperately needed in Chile.

“We have already released £50,000 from our Disaster Fund to help with the initial response, but more will be needed as the true extent of the disaster becomes clear.

“Just £30 could buy hygiene kits for ten people and £10 could buy five jerry cans for storing and carrying water.

“Donations of any amount will make a difference so thanks, in advance, to the supporters for their help.”

Albion raised £25,000 for the DEC Haiti Appeal via a similar shirt auction and Club donation in January.

The Red Cross is assisting the people of Chile with search and rescue and medical assistance plus basic amenities like water, sanitation and shelter – but the needs are great.

The Chilean Red Cross is working on the ground in partnership with emergency services, carrying out search and rescue operations and damage assessments, and giving medical assistance where necessary.

To make a donation visit: redcross.org.uk, call 0845 054 7201 or send a cheque, made payable to the British Red Cross, to: Chile Earthquake Appeal, British Red Cross, 44 Moorfields, London, EC2Y 9AL.

Albion Sign Blackburn Midfielder Steven Reid

West Brom today completed the loan signing of Blackburn midfielder Steven Reid on an initial month’s loan.

An Ireland international, he plays at either Right Back, right midfield or central midfield and arrives just in time to be able to play in the QPR game tomorrow.

Reid, 29 on Wednesday, will also be available for Albion’s following seven games against Sheffield Wednesday, Blackpool, Swansea, Preston, Coventry, Reading and Leicester.

Albion Boss Roberto Di Matteo said: “Steven is an exciting player and I’m delighted to welcome him to the club.

“We’ve been looking to strengthen our squad for the final push and Steven certainly fits the bill.

“He’s a versatile player with loads of experience.

“We’ve had some great references about Steven so hopefully he’ll perform at the level we expect him to.”

Reid has been at Ewood Park for 7 years, at 6ft 1in Reid has underlined his value by being a regular player all this time and operated in various positions

He won Blackburn’s goal-of-the-season award in 2005/06 thanks to his thunderbolt at Wigan.

Bednar out, Miller and Barnes in?

Roman Bednar may well miss the trip to QPR this weekend, however, there is some great news in the fact that Roberto Di Matteo has confirmed Ishmael Miller and Giles Barnes are possible starters for the Loftus Road clash.

Bednar has a groin problem, picked up versus Reading in the cup replay and may be unfit to play. Barnes stepped up his comeback from long-term injury midweek when playing all 90 minutes of the Walsall reserves game. Miller on the other hand played for 70 minutes in the same game, a sure sign that his ankle must now be up to the job.

The returning internationals have all signed back in at the Hawthorns without a glimmer of an injury and Di Matteo had this to say:

“All the internationals will be reporting back tomorrow morning for training,” said the Hawthorns boss.

“Some are back already and some are not depending on where they’ve travelled from.

“Everyone seems to have come through the games fine.

“Roman Bednar is still injured and is doubtful for Saturday.

“Miller and Barnes played in the reserves on Tuesday night and both are in contention for Saturday.

“It’s good news.”

Michael Appleton has spoken of his surprise at Giles Barnes’ comeback from injury, the youngster on joined the Baggies last month and was still recovering from a ruptured Achilles he suffered last summer.

“I think he is ready, from my point of view and what I saw on Tuesday,” said Appleton.

“I was delighted he got 90 minutes. He looked strong at times and I knew he was quick without the ball but I didn’t realise he was that quick with the ball!

“For me he is around about ready for a place on the bench.

“Whether he gets that is a different question and one the head coach has to decide on.

“But I’m sure he will be in our thoughts on Saturday in terms of being on the bench.”

“He has probably surprised the playing staff,” the Baggies’ first-team coach added.

“But the work he has put in behind the scenes with the physios has been second to none and the physio and sports department have been working hard with him.

“They deserve to take a bit of credit because there was a lot of work he needed to do in the gym in terms of rehab and ‘prehab’ work and he did a lot of that before he even got onto the field.

“We are delighted he is at the stage he is now but I don’t think he would have been if he hadn’t done the work previously.

“He is a talented player who has been in the Premier League with Derby and he has played in some big games in the past.

“He has been to two or three clubs and had trial periods and it hasn’t worked out for him.

“Whether those clubs have been prepared to take a chance is another question.

“You would have to ask them.

“From our point of view, we recognised that he needed to do a lot of work before he even tried to kick a ball or get back on the training field or somewhere close to the first team.

“And the lad’s attitude and work rate to do all that before he even started to kick a ball was spot on – and that’s why we took a gamble on him.

“Touch wood he can stay away from injury because, if he can, we’ve got a real player on our hands.”

Dorran’s Starts for Scotland

Young Graham Dorrans gets a place in the starting line up for Craig Levein tonight.

Hampden Park is the venue for a visit from the Czech Republic tonight for the Scotland friendly game.

James McFadden has an injured groin and failed a fitness test today so the Baggies starlet comes in to replace him, joining Kenny Miller up front.

Dorrans who is the centre of a transfer frenzy beginning to bubble over, starts a Full Scotland game for the first time.

With some of the big Premier clubs openly tracking him, it seems likely that even if the Albion gain promotion, that it may not be possible to hold on to him. Arsenal are suggested to be ready to table a £6 million pound bid, with Manchester City, Aston Villa and Sunderland all showing much interest. All this after the Albion added a year to his contract this season, putting him under contract to the club for the best part of 5 years.

The youngster has up until now been tight lipped about the rumours, his form certainly has not been affected by it.

Free Baggies Bus Returns

West Brom are due to return the support shown to them again soon with the return of the free travel to an away game. There will be up to 40 free supporters coaches on offer for the trip to Reading on Saturday March 27th.

This is free travel for around 2000 fans to the game and will no doubt add to the chances of a sell out for the game along with massive support. In previous times of free coaches the Baggies have won 3 of the 8 games they involved over the last 7 seasons.

Albion chief executive Mark Jenkins said: “The supporters have once again been brilliant on our away trips this season.

“The backing they have given the team is appreciated by everyone at the club.

“As a thank you to the travelling fans, who go everywhere in big numbers, we are laying on free coaches to a game for the seventh successive season.”

There are 2000 tickets available for the game at the Madjeski, season ticket holders and members will be charged £22.50, £16.50 seniors and seven to 21 year olds, and £11.50 juniors.

None members or season ticket holders can add £2 to the price.

The club are saying that supporters should hurry to book coaches to save disappointment, however, we are not sure why this may be as you cannot by your coach seat unless you have already purchased your match ticket. Maybe it is to make sure that there are no surplus coaches booked?

Match tickets are now on sale to away season ticket holders via internet, phone and in person and the same options are available for booking your coach travel too.

Normal season ticket holders can buy from Wed the 10th online and then from the following Saturday by phone or in person. Members will be allowed to buy tickets from Thursday March 22nd, then they will go on general sale from Monday March 22nd.

Out of favour Zuiverloon to be replaced

Albion manager Roberto Di Matteo has finally lost patience with Gianni Zuiverloon after his recent mistakes, including keepie uppie to allow Reading to score a 9 second goal in the FA Cap tie at the Madjeski Stadium.

The Dutchman defender, axed from the squad to face Derby on Saturday is guilty of many poor mistakes recently, although, shows excellent skills at the same time. Perhaps he needs a spell in the reserves to help him book his ideas up, however, whatever happens, Di Matteo seems certainly to be looking for his replacement short term at least.

Head coach Di Matteo played central defender Gabriel Tamas as an emergency stand-in against The Rams.

Assistant boss Eddie Newton said:

“It’s a situation we’re looking at and we’ve got a week now, so we can work on it and maybe look to bring someone in.

“Gabriel has played there quite often at his previous clubs and he is comfortable in the position but he was extremely tired on Saturday. He was on his last legs. He has been doing so much since he came here and he is really tired.

“We asked him to do a job and it wasn’t an easy job because Stephen Pearson is a workaholic. Tamas struggled a little bit in the earlier part of the game, but in the latter part I thought he dealt with it really well.

“He coped with certain situations and he has filled in and done a great job for us.”

Di Matteo, it is rumoured, is looking for a long term loan this week to replace him.

The former Heerenveen man was not even a substitute on Saturday after his dismal display during the home defeat to Reading.

Newton talking about international players this week said:

“We’ve got 10 internationals going away. Hopefully the international managers will see fit to rest them in training so they recover a little bit – and I’m sure they will.

“We’ve got a little bit of a rest. We’ve got a lot of European boys so we’ve sent them home to see their families for a few days.

“They’ve got the opportunity so everyone can get away from the club just to have a rest away from football. Then we’re going to come back and gear up for the last push until the end of the season.”

Olsson in the wars again …

Eddie Newton has been amongst a handful of people to defend Albion vice captain Jonas Olsson after he was caught up in yet another disagreement with fans during Saturdays victory over Derby County.

The Swedish defender made a hand gesture towards the Brummie Road contingent, some say it was a 2 fingered gesture, however, Olsson says it was just a thumbs down. This occurred during the first half when Olsson and Carson had a bit of a defensive clearance mix up. Many forums around the internet have reference to this and there are conflicting reports of what happened, in the main, most fans are showing their displeasure.

Assistant manager Newton has claimed that Olsson’s reaction was one of frustration and anger, rather than malice and felt it was instinctive.

“Jonas is a hell of a character,” said Newton.

“I fall out with him on a daily basis because Jonas is very highly spirited.

“For the main part of the game the fans were fantastic.

“Everyone gets frustrated, fans get frustrated, players get frustrated.

“It’s nothing really. Jonas wants to win, he wants perfection and when it’s going wrong he gets agitated. He’s a human being.

“We all react silly sometimes but he’s a human being.”

Olsson was recently involved in a shouting match with travelling fans after the draw at Coventry earlier this season.

Keep The Albion Tradition Alive And Vote For Player Of The Year.

In the 5 years since the Football League Awards in association with FourFourTwo have been around, Albion have had 2 winners. The awards are designed to reward players from the world’s oldest league competition and voting is by fans and not players or staff so they are seen as the true awards in the game.

FourFourTwo are also using the awards to help compile their top 50 players in the Coca Cola league so not only can an Albion player get an award, however, they can also get in the top fifty list.

In the 5 years, of which the Albion have only been in the Championship for 2 of them, we have seen 2 awards come to the Albion, kevin Phillips and Jason koumas. So lets get voting and try for a hat trick.

You can go ahead and vote for any of the players in the list or add your own choice if desired, however, to make sure that an award comes to the Albion perhaps some strategic voting is required.

The current list is shown below:

Chris Brunt
Gianni Zuiverloon
Graham Dorrans
Jerome Thomas
Joe Mattock
Jonas Olsson
Simon Cox
Youssuf Mulumbu

We here are voting for Graham Dorrans, who will you vote for?

Vote Now

Facebook Page where we start our Dorrans campaign.

Dorrans Centre Of Transfer Rumours

The Sunday Mirror are claiming that Graham Dorrans will be leaving the Hawthorns this summer. Both North East teams Newcastle United and Sunderland are supposedly lining up summer offers for the young Albion Star.

They are not the only teams in the running either if the rumour mill is to be believed. Manchester City scouts were spotted at the Hawthorns last home game against Scunthorpe and seemingly keeping tabs too. Another team that will no doubt renew their interest is ex Albion chief, Tony Mowbrays Celtic, who already made enquiries in the summer. Mowbray was the architect of Dorrans move to the Hawthorns in the beginning. This saw the Albion adding an extra 12 months to the players contract which was already for 4 years with a years option, showing how keen the club are to hold on to one of their most talented players.

It is also suggested that local rivals Villa and Birmingham are also looking to try their luck at recruiting the player, who cost as little as £100,000.

The very fact that the Albion extended the contract added to the fact that the Premiership looms on the horizon would lend the most intelligent to believe that the Albion will, be unwilling to let the player go without a struggle. Although as is the norm for the Hawthorns, money talks and the right offer could trigger a departure.

SBOBET are the latest company on Albion’s unique short term shirt sponsorship deals

Seems that every time the Albion appear n television they get a new recruit for their one of shirt sponsorship deals. SBOBET being the latest for Sunday’s televised trip to Bristol City.

SBOBET are an online betting company and their brand will be seen on the player’s shirts for what could be one of the biggest audience’s for a Baggies game on television, due to the fact it is being shown Sunday afternoon on BBC1.

Sales & Marketing Director Adrian Wright along with Head of Partnerships David Colesby are over the moon to have got the signature from SBOBET, they are hoping it will be the start of a longterm business deal.

SBOBET join what is becoming a long list now, holding others such as Blue Square, Victor Chandler and Esprit.

The last time the club had a shirt motiff was the Haiti Earthquake Appeal at Newcastle last month.

Wright said: “We’re delighted to welcome SBOBET on board for Sunday’s game.

“Our one-off shirt sponsorships are proving very popular and have provided a tangible return for the companies we have worked with so far.

“Analysis provided by Repucom illustrates that the return in media value has been more than ten times their initial investment.”

Bill Mummery, SBOBET’s Executive Director, added: “We like the Albion business model and this is an ideal opportunity for us to extend our television reach whilst testing the effectiveness of Albion’s approach.

“We are a leading global sports betting brand, a positioning which we plan to repeat in the UK.

“Football and television are playing a significant role in us achieving this goal.”

Albion have done reasonably well for single shirt sponsorships, however, will no doubt be looking to get an official sponsor next season.

Should the club be promoted, they will not be allowed to offer single match sponsorship under Premier League rules.

Quarter finals to be televised.

Whoever wins the replay between Albion and Reading this time next week will play either Villa or Palace on Sunday, March 7 (ko 1.45pm).

Will it be a live televised game on Sunday March 7th from the Hawthorns or the Madjeski?

All FA Cup quarter final games will be screened live on ITV1.

Here are the times and dates for each game.

Saturday, March 6

Portsmouth v Blues (ko 12.30pm)

Fulham v Bolton or Tottenham (ko 5.20pm)

Sunday, March 7

Reading or West Brom v Crystal Palace or Villa (ko 1.45pm)

Chelsea v Manchester City or Stoke (ko 4pm)

Jerome Thomas gets a further ban

Jerome Thomas faced an FA disciplinary hearing this morning and was handed a further 1 match to his already long 4 match ban.

Albion legal director Darren Eales was at Wembley with Thomas who had to face a fresh charge of violent conduct for his actions after the red card at Plymouth.

Having already served 2 games of the now 5 game ban he will be available a week Saturday, quite soon really, however testament to the amount of games needed to be played in such a short time. This will allow him to play in the Derby game in just 11 days.

The games he will miss are Cardiff tonight, Bristol City and next week’s FA Cup fifth-round replay against Reading.

Jara out for the season – 7 to miss the Cardiff trip?

News that Gonzalo Jara is out for the rest of the season brings more headaches and a possible need to make more use of the emergency loan option.

The Chile international has taken an xray that has shown a fractured a metatarsal to his right foot.

Di Matteo will now be without seven regulars to choose from for tomorrows trip to Cardiff.

Abdoulaye Meite has a badly bruised ankle that won’t heal in time for the Cardiff game. also missing will be Youssouf Mulumbu and Jerome Thomas who are both suspended, Marek Cech, Ishmael Miller and James Morrison are also out with hamstring, ankle and heel injuries respectively.

Andy Slory may recover in time from the pre match warm up Achilles injury, and certain to start will be Frank Nouble who missed out at Reading due to being cup tied.

Di Matteo said: “It’s really bad news for us regarding Gonzalo.

“He got caught on the follow through and as well as having an open wound, he has also fractured a metatarsal.

“I don’t think he will play again this season, which is a massive blow for us.

Surely this whole injury crisis has to be in part, down to the very heavy schedule so far this month.

“He should recover in time for the World Cup but, unfortunately for both him and Chile, he won’t be playing any football in the next two-and-a-half months.

“Abou won’t be available tomorrow either. He was on the end of a nasty tackle. His ankle is badly bruised and he’s in a bit of pain.

“Andy didn’t train yesterday and we’ll have to assess him. But we haven’t ruled him out.”

Di Matteo said the quick turnaround of games means it is unlikely the club will be able to bring any fresh loan signings in for the Cardiff trip.

“Everyone knows we have an interest in Jason Koumas but there’s no more news on that one,” he added.

“He’s one of several players we’re interested in but nothing’s been done yet.”

FA Cup draw may match Albion and Villa

This afternoon’s FA Cup draw see’s the possibility of the Baggies facing local rivals Aston Villa at the Hawthorns.

Still two games need to be settled, however, should Villa and Albion both progress to the quarter finals they will be paired against each other.

After an entertaining draw today, Villa need to replay against Crystal Palace and then the result of that will see them play the winners out of next Wednesday’s Albion, Reading replay.

Chelsea face Manchester City or Stoke in the quarter-finals. The reigning champions easily beat Cardiff City 4-1 yesterday to make the next round and they will host either City or the Potters, who played out a 1-1 draw at Eastlands last night.

Elsewhere, Portsmouth will face Birmingham while Fulham meet Bolton or Tottenham.

FA Cup quarter-final draw:

Chelsea v Manchester City or Stoke

Fulham v Bolton or Tottenham

Reading or West Brom v Crystal Palace or Aston Villa

Portsmouth v Birmingham

Ties to be played on the weekend of March 6 and 7.

Di Matteo’s selection headaches growing and growing

Roberto Di Matteo’s selection headaches have mounted tonight after Albion’s 4th game in under two weeks and 5th game in a fortnight. There are now another 3 games to come in the next 10 days too, including the FA Cup replay scheduled for Wednesday 24th.

Andy Slory should have started today, however, limped out of the pre match warm up with an Achilles injury so the Dutchman may be out for a while.

Gonzalo Jara, needed five stitches to a foot injury after todays game at Reading and Abdoulaye Meite was also forced of the Madejski Stadium pitch with an ankle injury.

Di Matteo is now going to have major concerns for the trip to Cardiff Tuesday night, what with these 3 injuries today and the existing injury list consisting of Marek Cech (hamstring), Ishmael Miller (ankle) and James Morrison (heel). Then of course we have Jerome Thomas with 3 matches left on his ban and a longer ban possible when he faces an FA charge. Now there is also Mulumbu banned for 2 games too, after this afternoons sending of for a second bookable offence.

“The number of games we’re playing is very demanding and I’m a bit sad because we’ve lost Jara to injury, Meite had to be taken off and Mulumbu is now suspended,” said Di Matteo.

“I already had a big injury list back home, so that’s a bit of a downside.

“I’ll have to assess the situation and then we’ll see what we have to do.

“Before today’s game, I already had five players out.

“Jara needed five stitches and we’ll have to wait and see on Meite’s injury – but hopefully it’s not too bad.”

Slory not playing after all

Slory injured himself warming up and is replaced by Koren.

Not the best start for the player.

Boro game switched for TV Coverage

West Brom’s home tie with M’Boro on Saturday, April 17 will be screened live on TV and will now kick off at 5.15pm and not 3pm as previously arranged.

The Baggies will be aiming to complete a double over Boro following their magical 5 goals to nil victory back in September at the Riverside Stadium.

No Di Matteo FA Charge

The FA have this afternoon stated that Roberto Di Matteo will not have to face a disciplinary hearing over the comments he made regarding referee Stuart Attwell’s decision to award Ipswich a penalty during the 1 to 1 draw at Ipswich on January 26.

The FA had written asking the Albion head coach for his observations in respect of remarks he made regarding Attwell.

Di Matteos take on Koren and Koumas …

Speaking to Sky Sports today Roberto Di Matteo stated that a line had been drawn under the Robert Koren hand shaking episode and that it was unfortunate that the agent chose to get involved.

When asked about the point made by the agent that Koren had been played out of position for 80% of the season he said:

“Perhaps the agent should become the manager here as he obviously knows more than most managers” with a wry smile on his face.

He was then asked by the Sky News reporter if Jason Koumas was on his way to the club. With a child like expression on his face, the sort that reveals he is not quite telling the truth he said:

“He is a good player”

This seems to be a sure fire pointer that Jason Koumas will surely be strutting his stuff back at the Hawthorns very soon.

Koren wanted out and probably still does …

Robert Koren’s agent has accused the club of denying the midfielder a move in January, using this as the excuse for Korens refusal to shake Di Matteos hand upon his substitution against scunthorpe.

Zoran Krneta has stated that Koren’s angry reaction when sustituted on Wednesday night was not aimed at his team mates, but a message to the head coach and club in general.

Krneta said Koren wanted to leave the Hawthorns on loan in January although Albion have always said that they had no official offers.

Di Matteo branded Koren’s actions as ‘selfish’ and claimed it showed a lack of respect for Simon Cox, who came in his place.

Krneta has been quoted as saying:

“Robert has played over 150 games for West Bromwich Albion since arriving on a free transfer. I would say that over 80 per cent of those games he has played out of position. He always gives 100 per cent on the field for his team mates. He is also captain of Slovenia and going to the World Cup.

“To not shake the manager’s hand was not a reflection on the team or the player coming on but a message to the manager, no-one else. I’m not saying what he did was right and I’m sure he will apologise. Perhaps there is a deeper issue that the manager needs to discuss with Robert.

“There were several offers in the January window, from the UK and abroad, to take Robert on loan and they were turned down.

“Perhaps Robert feels that it’s time to move on as he feels he can’t give any more than he is doing for Albion.”

Plymouth, Albion, Thomas all charged by FA

An FA statement reads: “Plymouth Argyle and West Bromwich Albion have both been charged with failing to control their players following an incident in the fixture at Home Park on Saturday 6 February 2010.

The charges relate to major fracas between both sets of players, staff and officials in the Championship fixture.

Both clubs have until 24 February to respond to the charges.

Jerome Thomas also faces an FA charge of violent conduct following his late on red card for a challenge on David McNamee.

The Baggies midfielder will attend a personal hearing at the FA this Tuesday week.

An automatic 4 game ban started for Thomas last night forcing him to miss the Scunthorpe victory, following Saturday’s game as it was his second straight red card of the season. He was also sent off in Septemberwhen Albion played Arsenal in the league cup.

Tempers boiled over in the closing stages of Albion’s 1-0 win at Home Park with Baggies winger Jerome Thomas getting a red card for a professional foul.

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Albion go top after 2 nil win

A Roman Bednar opener on 13 minutes and a Gianni Zuiverloon goal late on was enough to take the Albion to the top of the table after Derby beat Newcastle emphatically and Coventry just edged out Forest in the East – West Midlands Derby.

Scunthorpe ended up with ten men, however, they should have been playing with just 9 when Dorran’s was brought down by the last man.

The game was a scrappy affair for most of the 90 minutes and Scunthorpe could have easily got back in to it on many occasions.

A sour note on this great night was the sight of Robert Koren blanking Di Matteo when he offered his hand as Koren was subbed.

Chris Woods up for goal of the season with Soccer AM

Chris Wood’s super strike in Albion’s 3 to 1 win at home to Doncaster Rovers in September, which was of course his first senior goal for the Baggies, has been nominated by the club for the Football League’s top 20 and is in the running to win the Mitre Goal of the Year 2009.

Vote and watch the goal at the Soccer Am website to give Chris a chance to get in to the top 5 and have a chance to win the award.

The overall winner will be decided at the 2010 Football League Awards on the night, these awards take place at the prestigious Grosvenor House, Park Lane, London, on Sunday, March 14, 2010.

Wood’s is not the only Albion player on the list, however, as young Cox also makes the list for his strike when playing for Swindon against Walsall in January.

All football Championship clubs were asked to nominate their best goal to Sky Sports’ Soccer AM show, who screened the 20 goals on Saturday.

Get on down to the Soccer AM site to Vote and the watch goal along with the other 19 contenders. One lucky voter will win tickets to the awards, however, more importantly, lets get a trophy under our belts early this season.

Punches thrown and a red card in ugly scenes at Plymouth

A 66th minute Simon Cox goal was all that divided the 2 teams at Home Park today.

Sub Luke Moore won a penalty in the 83rd minute, just like his counterpart Miller did at Blackpool, however, Dorran’s penalty was saved by Plymouth keeper this time out.

Jerome Thomas was sent of in the 88th minute for a professional foul and all hell broke loose. Punches were thrown, both benches came on to the pitch and got involved seemingly to calm things down! Thomas was ushered off the pitch and down the tunnel within seconds of the event, probably the best thing that could have happened.

The last 10 minutes twice saw Plymouth fans the centre of the stewards attention when they seemed to be arguing and threatening Albion subs.

A few minutes in to injury time another dangerous tackle, this time by Kari Arnason on Luke Moore was punished only by a yellow card when the ref seemed unable or not wanting to give another red, possibly because of the danger of creating even more unsavoury scenes. Arnason’s studs were high and showing, catching Moore in the calves from behind, very dangerous and possibly career threatening, this nasty tackle certainly deserved a straight red card and showed just how heated the situation was.

Albion came away with the three points and kept up the pressure on both Newcastle and Nott’s Forest who both won this weekend too, although they also came away with a much unwanted red card and no doubt a few knocks too.

Plymouth Albion team sheet

Di Matteo names 4 new faces on the team sheet, the first change for 6 games.

Abdoulaye Meite replaces Jonas Olsson to join Gabriel Tamas in the Baggies defence.

Gonzalo Jara joins Olsson as a sub and Gianni Zuiverloon is recalled at right back.

Marek Cech is replaced by Joe Mattock at left-back.

Simon Cox replaces Robert Koren, who becomes a sub.

17 year old youth team midfielder George Thorne is on the bench.

PLYMOUTH (4-4-2): Stockdale; Duguid, Arnason, R Johnson, Sawyer; Clark, Fletcher, D Johnson, Judge; Mackie, Fallon. Subs: Larrieu (gk), Wright-Phillips, Barker, McNamee, Noone, Summerfield, Cooper.

ALBION (4-5-1): Carson; Zuiverloon, Tamas, Meite, Mattock; Brunt, Cox, Mulumbu, Dorrans, Thomas; Bednar. Subs: Kiely (gk), Jara, Olsson, Koren, Moore, Slory, Thorne.

REFEREE: S Tanner (Somerset).

Plymouth Albion team news – Youth on bench

Roberto Di Matteo has this morning spoken of injuries that will effect today’s line up.

Marek Cech is not on the team sheet due to a hamstring injury picked up midweek against Blackpool.

Joe Mattock has recovered and is available for selection at Home Park so looking likely to replace Cech.

Ishmael Miller Will not be making the bench after damaging his ankle against Blackpool, bringing scary times for the youngster just back from a long term injury.

“Joe is fine now,” said the Baggies boss.

“Unfortunately Ish and Marek got injured on Wednesday and they will be missing today.

“We’re going to call-up George Thorne from the youth team so we have enough players on the bench.”

Di Matteo explains last night substitutions at Blackpool

Because of the fact that the Albion have to play 3 games in 7 days Roberto Di Matteo made the substitutions that he did last night. The latter stages of a game where a player becomes tired are prone for picking up injuries.

Bednar, Thomas and Brunt all made it in for an early bath with at least 15 minutes to go and were replaced by Miller, Zuiverloon and new boy Slory. This turned out worse than expected when Miller picked up an injury as well as a penalty and hurt his ankle. Marek Cech also finished the game with a hamstring worry.

Speaking to the official club site Roberto Di Matteo explained last nights substitutions at Bloomfield road with the following comments:

“You think about the fact we’ve got three games in six days and fortunately I have players on the bench who can make an impact on the game,” said Di Matteo.

“It’s a shame he missed because it could have been a nice debut for him.”

Blackpool 2 West Brom 3 match highlights

For 20 minutes neither team could take the game by the horns and it was free kick after free kick for either team. By the 25th minute Blackpool took the lead with a shot from Keith Southern, this was not really showing a fair scoreline as neither team deserved the lead and one just knew that an Albion equaliser was due within minutes.

Well Roman Bednar proved this point on 29 minutes, when his shot was on target beating the keeper. The next ten minutes passed and still neither team could really say they had the advantage. It was still pretty close when on the 40th minute up popped Bednar again, his shot was again on target and beat the Tangerines keeper quite easily.

West Brom now took control and continually troubled Blackpool with endless shots and chances but the half time whistle saw them go in with just a 1 goal advantage, probably a fair scoreline considering how close the first 40 minutes had been.

Anwele Story came on for Jerome Thomas on 53 minutes and Albion continued to control the game, it was only time before they extended their lead even though Blackpoool were having the odd chance. On 65 minute Bednar was replaced by Miller and the Albion are still in control. The first half saw Bednar as Albions key player, however, the second half has been a star performance for Dorrans.

From around the 70th minute Blackpool start getting the upper hand and looked likely to get an equaliser, partly down to Albions nerve cracking and Blackpool’s determination in front of their home fans. On 80 minutes the equaliser came from Dobbie when Rob Edwards managed to get the ball in to the box from a throw in.

Albion fans, players and Di Matteo alike, were cursing and could have easily settled for a draw or given in completely as many team would have done to such a high flying in form team.

Blackpool were in complete control, however, when Albion managed to get on the attack in the 83rd minute, Miller was brought down in the box. Up steps Dorrans with only 1 goal out of his last 2 penalty’s. Would the Albion youngster be able to keep his nerve?

He sure did and the Albion were back in front with only 7 minutes to go.

It was cue the kitchen sink time and Blackpool certainly did so, Albion were under siege but managed to keep their nerve and run out 3 – 2 winners with all three points. This places the Baggies back in the guaranteed promotion spot.

Blackpool West Brom team news

Albion name an un changed team for the fifth consecutive game tonight for the trip to Blackpool.

Joe Mattock is replaced on the bench by new signing Andy Slory and it is uncertain whether that is by choice or because he has failed to recover from sickness. Slory will most likely get a run out at some point even, if it is just to get some match practice under his belt.

Ian Holloway makes three changes to the Blackpool side that drew 1-1 with Coventry at the weekend.

Fresh in the door lloan signing DJ Campbell starts in attack along with Danny Coid and Ben Burgess who also enter the teamsheet.

They are in to replace Brett Ormerod, who is suspended, Gary Taylor-Fletcher drops to the bench and Alex Baptiste is left out altogether.

BLACKPOOL (4-4-2): Rachubka; Edwards, Coid, Crainey, Evatt; Southern, Vaughan, Bannan, Adam; Burgess, Campbell. Subs: Gilks (gk), Taylor-Fletcher, Martin, Euell, Butler, Husband, Dobbie.

ALBION (4-5-1): Carson; Jara, Tamas, Olsson, Cech; Brunt, Koren, Mulumbu, Dorrans, Thomas; Bednar. Subs: Kiely (gk), Slory, Miller, Zuiverloon, Cox, Meite, Moore.

REFEREE: D Foster (Newcastle).

Blackpool tickets latest

West Brom have around 200 tickets left for Wednesday’s trip to Blackpool 7.45pm KO.

Tickets will remain on general sale at The Hawthorns’ East Stand box office until 1pm on Wednesday for this latest championship clash.

Any remaining tickets will be available on the turnstiles at Bloomfield Road, however, with only 200 remaining presently it would not be advisable to travel without and every effort should be made to secure your ticket before Wednesdays deadline.

Prices are £24.50 adults, £19.50 over 60s, £16.50 16 to 18-year-olds and £14.50 under 16s.

Wednesday game moved as FA Cup date set

West Broms Coca-Cola Championship home tie with Sheffield Wednesday, Saturday, February 13 has been moved to Tuesday, March 9 with a 7.45 pm K O, this is due to the Albion’s FA Cup game against Reading.

Albion’s FA Cup fifth-round trip to Reading will take place on February 13 3 pm KO.

If there is no result at Reading and the tie was to go to a replay, the replay will take place at The Hawthorns on Wednesday, February 24 7.45 KO.

FA CUP draw sees Albion versus Reading Away

The draw has been made and we are playing Reading away in the fifth round of the fa cup played weekend of 14th Feb

Esprit become 3rd single game shirt sponsors

The club have secured their first single game shirt sponsorship deal for a non televised match , Esprit, a local firm will have their logo emblazoned on the Albion shirts for tomorrows game against Newcastle in the FA Cup.

The West Bromwich based shop fitting and interior company are sponsoring the Club’s shirts.

They have become the third business to take advantage of the ground-breaking match by match shirt sponsorship deals Albion are now able to offer as a Football League club.

Online betting companies Blue Square and Victor Chandler have already struck similar deals with the Baggies for their games against QPR and Nottingham Forest respectively.

A fourth single match sponsorship was away to Newcastle last monday, however, this was a charitable offering by the club and not a real sponsorship deal.

All three of the previous single game shirt deals were live on Sky.

Esprit recently finished work on the clubs Merry Hill store, so it is not the first time the two have worked together.

esprit UK Managing Director, Trevor Dubberley, is quoted on the club website as saying “We are huge Albion fans and have been customers of the club for the past ten seasons in the guise of executive box holders and season ticket holders.”

“We also have branding around the stadium and sponsoring the Club’s shirt seemed the next logical step.

“I just hope we prove a lucky omen and that the team progresses into the fifth round, which would complete a proud day for esprit UK.”

Albion have only been able to offer short-term shirt sponsorship deals this season as they are not permitted under Premier League rules.

Albions Haiti support could be doubled.

The webmaster of West Brom Blog (in his capacity as chairman of the GAU), contacted the club yesterday and subsequently spoke to WBA FC Finance director Mr Mark Jenkins today regarding a generous offer made by Bodog founder Calvin Ayre.

The Calvin Ayre Foundation have offered to match any donations made to the DEC fund, inc Oxfam by any person or business in the gambling industry, details can be found here.

Now although not truly in the gambling industry, due to the fact that Albion have deals with online bookies and advertise them on their website this seems to allow them to fit within the foundations criteria.

Albion are auctioning the shirts from Monday nights match and bids can be placed here.

Details of the possibility of doubling the funds raised are now with both the foundation and the club with an offer to both to help in making this come true. So fingers crossed for a massive boost to the fund to help these poor people in Haiti.

The industry has its annual awards next week where the cheque is to be presented to Oxfam from the Calvin Ayre Foundation and it is hoped that the Albion’s donation will be part of this matched amount. Further information on this is available here.

Newcastle West Brom preview

This evening see’s the Baggies travelling the long road to the home of the Toon, the team topping the table and everyone’s favourite to return to the premiership at the first attempt. Table topping NUFC have slipped in recent weeks, however, still remain 2 points clear at the top with 2 games in hand over second placed Forest, with a 6 point buffer over third placed Albion but no games in hand.

Newcastle’s last league win was a few weeks back against arch rivals Middlesboro when they won two nil, however, they have won only one of their last 4 championship games. In all games they have won just 2 out of 6 and drawn the remainder. Albion on the other hand have won three of the last 6 drawn 1 and lost 2, the wins all coming away from home and both losses at the Hawthorns. The two lost games were very bad displays and they were not just losses, however, the Albion seemed to have stayed at home on both occasions.

The opening day of the season saw a goalless draw between the two teams who seemed to cancel each other out, although it was a very emotional day due to to the game being the first since the death of Sir Bobby Robson who was of course connected to both teams.

The Albion go in to tonight’s game with what must be a massive amount of good Karma after pledging support to the DEC appeal for the Haiti earthquake disaster, we were the 2nd behind only the official site to report on this. With any luck and a modicum of current trends the Albion should be heading home later tonight with all 3 points.

Sky Bet are offering 11/4 on an Albion victory, excellent odds when you consider that fortress Hawthorns has been exchanged for the travelling version. Albion are very capable of winning at any ground, much more so than at home so this needs to be taken in to account. You can get a £10 Free Matched Bet if you open a new account with Sky. They are also offering evens on a Toon win, with the draw at 12/5. Albion to win one nil with a single Bednar goal offers odds of 40 – 1 with Sky or you could choose Newcastle at 5-2 with a one goal handicap.

Betfair are offering a free £25 to new customers and at the time of writing there is £17528 available for Newcastle at 2.1 and £1879 available at 4.0 for an Albion win. The game will be “in Play” on Betfair too allowing you to have a dabble at trading on the game if you wish to.

Bet365 are offering 11/8 Newcastle, 9/4 the draw and 7/4 an Albion victory, however, they have up to £200 in free bets on offer so maybe a better option for a first time account holder.

Although the Albion are the championships top scorers Newcastle have the best defensive record, this will make for an interesting game, a game that can be watched live on Sky TV. Albion will be determined to put last Fridays defeat to Forest behind them and get back on track and in second spot again.

Albion will no doubt be fresher having a 10 day break, Newcastle played the FA Cup replay midweek after a Weekend game. Albion will likely be more up for this game and Newcastle will no doubt get complacent after the Albion’s previous game, with Albion’s away form added to this, there can easily be an away win, although the odds say differently.

Albion DEC Haiti support

ALBION will show support for the earthquake aid effort by wearing ‘DEC Haiti Appeal’ logos on their shirts during Monday’s top-of-the-table clash at Newcastle (ko 7.45pm).

The sponsorship will also feature details of DEC the Disasters Emergency Committee’s website address, www.dec.org.uk, where donations can be made.

Over 2.2million people live in the most affected areas in Port-au-Prince where thousands are feared dead, many more injured or buried under rubble – and the DEC urgently needs support.

Albion can support DEC’s aid work thanks to the match-by-match shirt sponsorship deals they are offering to businesses and organisations because of the lack of a permanent sponsor.

Deals with online betting companies Blue Square and Victor Chandler have been the only 2 deals so far, however, many more are due this season, raising around £10,000 a time.

Tomorrow’s St James’ Park clash on Sky Sports would have easily found a sponsor, however, in the wake of this week’s disaster, the Club felt it would be fitting to donate the advertising space on the front of their shirts to support the DEC’s effort.

Albion will again auction off the 18 shirts worn by the squad against Newcastle in aid of the DEC Haiti Earthquake Appeal, the club have also promised a donation too.

Quoting Jeremy Peace from the clubs website:

“Everyone at the Club has been saddened by the terrible tragedy unfolding in Haiti,” said Peace.

“We are hoping the fact our players will be wearing the appeal logo in front of a national TV audience will make even more people aware of how they can donate money to the aid effort.”

Donations to the DEC Haiti Earthquake Appeal can be made online at www.dec.org.uk

To make a postal donation, make cheques payable to ‘DEC Haiti Earthquake Appeal’ and mail to ‘PO Box 999, London, EC3A 3AA’.

Donations can also be made at any high street bank, or at a Post Office, by quoting Freepay 1449.

Text ‘GIVE’ to 70077 to donate £5 to the DEC Haiti Earthquake Appeal (£5 goes to the DEC. You pay £5 plus the standard network SMS rate).

The DEC launches and co-ordinates national fundraising appeals for public donations on behalf of its member agencies.

The DEC consists of: Action Aid, British Red Cross, CAFOD, CARE International UK, Christian Aid, Concern Worldwide, Help the Aged, Islamic Relief, Merlin, Oxfam, Save the Children, Tearfund, World Vision.

Giles Barnes is training with Albion

Ex Derby midfielder Giles Barnes, a free agent, is currently training with the Albion with a view to a permanent move in to the Hawthorns.

Barnes quality skill and ability is most certainly not in question by Di Matteo, however over two and a half years of injuries are. If the players physical fitness can be seen as promising and it is felt that he is not a player who will for always have injury issues, the Albion boss will no doubt be happy to sign him.

A great player he maybe, however, if he is just going to continually fall down with injuries then he is of no real use to any team looking to settle in the premiership.

West Brom draw Plymouth or Newcastle in the FA Cup 4th round

After leaving it late to run out 2 nil winners at Huddersfield in yesterdays FA cup third round game, the Albions reward is a tie against Plymouth or Newcastle at home

West Brom were ball number 6 in the draw where Frank Skinner drew the away teams.

Goals from Dorrans and young Chris Woods secured the Baggies a place in today’s FA Cup 4th round draw.

Albion 2 Peterborough 0

Albion’s patience paid off in a valuable victory over Peterborough at the Hawthorns.

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Baggies back second after win

Albion correspondent Steve Madeley reports from the Hawthorns as the Baggies go back to second after a home win against Peterborough.

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Pictures of all the match action

Expressandstar.com bring you all the action in pictures from Wolves, Albion and Birmingham.

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Your say on the match action

Expressandstar.com bring you the news from our teams around the region and across the country - with your chance to join the debate.

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Teams in at the Hawthorns

Albion correspondent Steve Madeley brings you the confirmed team from the Hawthorns as the Baggies undertake a Boxing Day duel with Peterborough.

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Koren’s Albion future in balance

Albion head coach Roberto Di Matteo has admitted midfielder Robert Koren could still leave the Hawthorns next month.

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Kiely is backing pair for call-ups

Albion keeper Dean Kiely today tipped Scott Carson for an England recall - and revealed he has recommended team-mate Simon Cox for Ireland honours.

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Thomas is out to impress the family

Albion winger Jerome Thomas is hoping his relatives prove to be lucky Christmas charms when they watch him in action for the Baggies on Saturday.

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Cooper vows to attack

Peterborough manager Mark Cooper today pledged to attack Albion on Boxing Day.

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Koren boost for Albion

Robert Koren could hand Roberto Di Matteo an unexpected Christmas present by returning to the Albion squad on Boxing Day.

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Albion closing in on Tamas

Albion are closing in on their first January signing after defender Gabriel Tamas jetted in for talks over his loan move.

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Miller to beat Morrison back

Albion striker Ishmael Miller is on course to beat fellow injury victim James Morrison in their race for fitness.

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Albion appoint new sales director

Albion have confirmed the appointment of Adrian Wright as their new Sales and Marketing director.

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Wolves fans some of worst for bans

More than 200 football hooligans in the Black Country and Birmingham were arrested last year, official figures today reveal.

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Latest transfer rumours – Dec 23

Expressandstar.com bring you all the latest transfer gossip on Wolves, Albion, Villa, Walsall and Blues.

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Clement’s battle to save his career

Albion coach Michael Appleton has lifted the lid on the agonies of defender Neil Clement’s battle to save his career.

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Six points the target for Thomas

Albion winger Jerome Thomas has set the team a six-point Christmas target with the challenge for the Baggies to stamp their mark back on the Championship.

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Latest transfer rumours – Dec 22

Expressandstar.com bring you all the latest transfer gossip on Wolves, Albion, Villa, Walsall and Blues.

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Your favourite moment of 2009

The year is nearly finished but what is your favourite Albion moment of the past 12 months?

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Massive injury boosts at the Hawthorns and transfer rumours

Not only are Youssouf Mulumbu, Jerome Thomas and Luke Moore all looking likely to be fit to start in the  Sky televised Rangers clash at The Hawthorns on Monday after their individual struggles struggles with injuries, however, James Morrison may also be back in training as early as next week too!.

With Thomas and Moore back in training and raring to go, Mulumbu is also showing no signs of any serious injury after his recent early bath in the Cardiff defeat.  Morrisons scarring is healing very well and he should be able to start light training any day soon.

The Rangers game will also see a return for Dean Kiely, who will be looking to make his claim for the number one shirt permanent whilst Scott Carson sits out due to his 3 match ban. Carson is expected to be fined by the club after his out of character head butt on Chopra, the club feel that his sending off and the very nature is deserving of a club fine.

Di Matteo has actually hinted that should Kiely perform well that there is no reason why he cannot keep the shot stoppers jersey indefinitely. This episode will see a young keeper on the bench in the form of youth keeper Ryan Alsopp.

In other news today, reports are rife that Albion are likely to make a big money offer for out of favour Stoke striker James Beattie.

Historic first one game sponsorship deal secured.

Albion have agreed a historical first ever single game shirt sponsorship deal with online bookies, Blue Square for the home game with QPR.

Although not made public knowledge, the deal will no doubt we worth in excess of 5 figures and more valuable than most games as the game is live on Sky. Albion insist that there is also more deals in the offing, in what it seems is the first ever scheme of its kind.

Blue Square are also going to be auctioning off a shirt with their logo on it, the proceeds of the auction for this unique shirt will go to Whizz Kidz charity.

New contract for Kiely the coach!

Roberto Di Matteo will consider extending Dean Kiely’s Albion contract after praising the veteran for improving number one Scott Carson.

The Baggies boss believes Carson’s work with temporary goalkeeping coach Kiely is paying off.

And he is delighted with the England international’s progress during the first three months of the season.

“At the start of the season I talked to Scott and he looked a bit unsure and shaky,” said Di Matteo.

“We’ve been talking and Dean has been working a lot with him. I feel he’s getting better.

“He’s doing a lot of good things and working with the team.

“He’s getting the right distances and coming for crosses, he comes out for the long ball over the top as well, which is really good.”

Di Matteo surprised Baggies fans at the start of the season by naming Carson as his new captain following the departure of Jonathan Greening to Fulham.

But the Italian has insisted he had no reservations about naming the former Liverpool and Villa shot-stopper as skipper despite his position between the sticks.

Read the rest of the story from the Express and Star

Chairman hides from Di Matteo

According to a report in the Express and Star today Roberto Di Matteo is quoted as saying “I have been to see the chairman and they are hiding from me as I am asking for some money. We have targets. I am not a manager who panics and rushes into decisions”.

The full report can be found here at the Express and Star website.

So, the Premiership is within the Baggies sites yet again, however, yet again Jeremy Peace is turning into the Hawthorns very own Scrooge again. Di Matteo looks like having to get the team promoted with the existing squad even though there are obvious weaknesses and any further injuries could result in team sheet shortages.

Although Albion’s books seem to stay in the black continually, many fans are getting sick and tired of the Chairman’s frugality, which many feel is stopping the Baggies getting a settled position in the country’s top flight.

So it looks like January being a quiet month for the Baggies, apart from maybe a loan or two. All down to the chairman’s belief that the January transfer window is not party to the January sales, he is a firm believer that there are no bargains to be had at this point in the season!

Perhaps this should have been mentioned to Di Matteo in the summer?

Cider Boys defeated as easy as crushing apples

In a game that threatened to put a stop to the Albions winning run, a match that pitted one of the best form teams in the division against  a bouyant Albion, the Baggies pointed out within 12 minutes that the winning streak was to continue.

West Brom massacared Bristol City 4-1 to climb above Newcastle at the Championship summit, although the Toon have a game in hand.

Much of the damage was done inside the first 12 minutes as Jerome Thomas and Chris Brunt both fired home.

A Louis Carey own goal and Simon Cox’s second Championship goal of the season then killed off any hope Bristol City had at the start of the second half, before Paul Hartley netted a consolation in the 83rd minute.

The teams were welcomed on the pitch by very typical British autumn weather, the Black Country was awash, with rain and wind swirling around The Hawthorns. The crowd of over 23,000 were kept warm if not dry by a very entertaining match, although 3,000 of them were doomed to a sad journey back to the cider fields of Bristol.

Gianni Zuiverloon had to clear Cole Skuse’s effort off the line in the 3rd minute, but a fresh Albion side counter atacked at speed and opened the scoring at the other end just 30 seconds later.

Thomas rounded off a sweeping move as he cut in from the left before firing a fierce shot into the bottom corner from the edge of the penalty area.

Scott Carson was forced to tip Carey’s header over the crossbar before Brunt doubled West Brom’s lead with just 12 minutes gone.

Scotland midfielder Graham Dorrans found his Northern Irish team-mate with a great throughball and he rounded Dean Gerken before firing home from an acute angle to put the home side in control.

Chances

But Carson was soon called upon to deny the lively Nicky Maynard before Dorrans himself side-footed wide from close range when he really should have put the result beyond doubt.

Chances were coming at either end as City midfielder Hartley then lashed a free-kick inches wide and, with the visitors more than holding their own, the difference at the half-time interval proved to be Albion’s ability to take their chances.

But if the game was still somewhat in the balance at the break then it was all over just two minutes after the restart.

Cox picked up the ball and sent a shot goalwards, which appeared to be going wide, until Carey stepped in to intercept and could only fire the ball into his own net.

Albion were threatening a rout as they made it 4-0 just 53 seconds later – Cox sliding in to convert Marek Cech’s cross from close range and put his name on the scoresheet.

From then on in it was a case of going through the motions for Albion, with Zuiverloon failing to pull the trigger when in a great position to make it 5-0 while Danny Haynes wasted a good chance at the other end.

But the Robins did grab a consolation in the 83rd minute through Hartley’s stunning free-kick, which deserved to be worth more.

The Albion enjoyed a series of superb performances throughout the team – Brunt, Cox, Jara and Zuiverloon were all on top of their game, helping the Albion once again pull clear of the play-off contenders.

Joe Mattock was stretchered off before the break with a foot injury and will undergo xrays this evening to find out the extent of the injury.

Todays four goals took Albion’s total to 11 in three games and sees them top of the Coca-Cola Championship scoring table with 35 from 17 games.

ALBION (4-4-2): Carson, Zuiverloon, Meite, Olsson, Mattock (Cech 30), Brunt, Jara, Dorrans (Mulumbu 57), Thomas, Moore, Cox (Koren 78). Subs not used: Kiely, Wood, Martis, Teixeira.

CITY (3-5-2): Gerken, Carey, McCombe, Nyatanga, Skuse, Elliott (Johnson 78), Sno (Clarkson 78), Hartley, McAllister (Williams 17), Maynard, Haynes. Subs not used: Basso, Fontaine, Sproule, Saborio.

GOALS: ALBION – Thomas (3), Brunt (12), Cox (46, 48). CITY – Hartley (83).

BOOKINGS: ALBION – Cox (simulation 78).

Ref: Michael Oliver (Northumberland).

ATTENDANCE: 23,444.

Albion support RBL’s poppy appeal.

The Albion will be wearing specially designed shirts for tomorrow’s trip to Leicester, each player will be sporting a jersey with a poppy embroidered in the centre of the chest! The home team will also be wearing the same embroidered pattern on their shirts too.

After the game fans will be able to bid on each individual shirt by way of an auction run on the clubs own website wba.co.uk. All proceeds will be going to the Royal British Legion Poppy appeal, a very worthy cause and very much in the spotlight at present.

Last year the Albion claim to have raised in excess of £11,000 and are hoping to top the figure this year, showing how supportive they are of our military personnel both past and present.

Koren may be allowed an exit – Di Matteo

Albion boss Roberto Di Matteo today revealed that he may have to let unsettled midfielder Robert Koren leave The Hawthorns in January.

Although Robbie is keen to keep the Slovenia captain in his squad, he admitted he can understand Koren’s frustration over a lack of first-team action.

Captain of his national team and at an age where first team football matters Koren is not being unfair in his request for a transfer.

Koren is losing ground in the race for the team sheet, even to young midfielder Dorrans and has stated in interview that he is not happy playing as a wide player either, which is where most of his Albion outings have found him.

He also stated in the interview that his agent has been in touch with the Albion management over the possibility of a move. Interest from the Premier League is imminent without doubt, expected interest will come from Bolton, Fulham and Birmingham. Fulham are likely to be in the front of the running as Zoltan Gera’s move to Craven Cottage was arranged by the same agents that manage Koren. Tony Mowbray will no doubt be amongst the managers sniffing around too and a bid from Celtic could also be in the midst!

Albion have a tendancy not to let players go unless they are surplus to requirements or in their last year of contract and although Robert Korens contract expires this coming summer, the Albion have a right to a further 12 months.

Barnett sent to coventry

Leon Barnett has today joined Coca-Cola Championship local rivals Coventry City.

He has moved on an emergency loan deal that expires on Jan 31st next year. The deal includes a recall clause after the first 28 days for the player who celebrates his 24th birthday later this month. Having played just 2 games in the Championship as a sub this season, Barnett seems to be off Di Matteos radar at least for the near future.

Was his goal in the recent reserves 10 nil drubbing of Burton Albion the last for the Baggies? Time will tell, however, he can be classed as too old for being a loanee sent out to gain experience so may well be heading out of the Hawthorns permanently.

Sol, Roman, Chris and Jonas

All 4 currently subject to discussion for various reasons:

Sol Campbell has been told that for a release from Notts County he must sign a 5 year gagging order! Now i would like to know, what is so secret now that will be without issue in 5 years? There must be some real dark secrets in Nottingham, just what are they up to?

Roman Bednar is in the news as he is hoped to be returning this coming Saturday for the Watford tie, he is certainly a requirement if the Albion are to make anything of this season and not lose the great head start that they have forged thus far. No criticism is due to young Woods and even Cox, however, Luke Moore has been the brunt of some fans frustration and one can only agree with the sentiment when he is still not producing. Talking of Brunt, Chris is also hoped to be available as fit this coming Saturday too!

Jonas suffered at Coventry from a few irate fans at the end of the game, now fans will get irate and take their frustrations out on players, this will always happen. Olsson was probably not the fairest of targets, however, he was the chosen one on Saturday. Now when a player is paid so much money and has a responsibility to set a decent example to both players and fans of the younger generation, reacting as he did when fans chose to subject him to abuse was very poor and unprofessional.

4-4-1-1 sees a return for Meite and Koren too

Robbie has changed formation and recalled both Koren and Meite in an attempt to turn the tide at the Ricoh this afternoon.

The surprise is Cech dropping to the bench, however, with Meite replacing him.

Lone striker Luke Moore will be supported by Dorrans sitting just off him!

Bednar misses a second game, still unfit from his back injury.

COVENTRY (4-4-2): Westwood, Wright, Cranie, Turner, Aanholt, Clarke, Cork, Osbourne, McIndoe, Eastwood, Morrison. Subs: Dimi, Bell, Hussey, Ward, Madine, Grandison, Cain.

ALBION (4-4-1-1): Carson, Zuiverloon, Meite, Olsson, Mattock, Thomas, Mulumbu, Jara, Koren, Dorrans, Moore. Subs: Kiely, Reid, Teixeira, Cox, Martis, Cech, Wood.

Ref: K Stroud (Hants).

Baggies Swansea live 60 second updates

A bright start by both with early chances for both teams, Swansea having the better of the two chances in the first minute.

Zuiverloon has been shown as showing a few weaknesses in the opening 5 minutes or so and been subject to a talking to by the 4th official for some reason too.

Swanseas Dyer smashes a shot well over on 5 minutes. Dyer now breaks down the right at some good pace putting the Albion under pressure by beating mattock, however, Mulumbu was on hand to force a goal kick.

Dorrans takes a shot that is close after some good pace shown by the Scottish Youngster, however, it is weak and off target.

Albion have a freekick on 12 minutes with Cech looking to beat the wall, however, Dorrans surprises everyone by taking the kick and blasting well over again.

Counter attack by Swansea sees Beattie forcing Scott Carson to give away a throw in.

Zuiverloon feeds Moore who makes very little of it and returns to Zuiverloon who loses it allowing another counter attack.

Dyer runs at Mattocks again, however Mattocks is up for it this time and clears.

Painter feeds a few attacks down the line and seems to have the better of the Albion.

Cech gets caught offside on the touchline in the 18th minute, surely he should be able to gauge that better?

Young Criss Woods is not holding the ball up too well and drops Zuiverloon in to trouble forcing him to give away a cheap free kick.

Thomas feeds Moore, who again loses the ball giving Swansea another break which culminates in an offside on the edge of the box.

Thomas is felled in the area on 20 minutes, however, Mr D’Urso waves away the claims to what looked like a certain penalty.

Van Der Gun is found in the box, however, forced out by Olsson and Albion win a throw in.

Painter feeds Beattie down the left who returns it to Painter, then back to Gower and back to the keeper.

An open game so far and chances at both ends, however, Albion have the better chances but cannot capitalise on them.

Zuiverloon takes a throw in 20 yards in to the Swansea half and the ball bounces around a few players before Dorrans ends up in a shooting position that he fluffs once again.

Gower and Dyer swop wings to add a bit of confusion to the Albion on 25 minutes.

Albion need a goal to settle themselves, however, Swansea are not giving in just yet.

Thomas with a freekick 20 yards out and again it is wasted, not even on target.

Swansea come back on to the attack led by Gower, however, a hand ball is allowed when Thomas takes the ball and breaks. He gives the ball away soon after.

Zuiverloon takes a throw in 2 thirds into the Swansea half, which is then run out for a further throw in. Zuiverloon takes it, it gets passed back and he tries to attack the goal but is beaten to the ball.

Carson takes a goal kick and passes straight to Woods who chests it down, however, is deemed to have fouled. Swansea attack from the freekick, pass down the right wing to Dyer, who sends it in along the touch line to Beattie who forces a tremendous save from Carson.

Bomber Brown reckons Albion are flat tonight and need to come to life or may suffer.

Mulumbu to Dorrans, to Mattock back to Dorrans who tries to thread it through to moore without sucess. Swansea counter.

Jara sends ball through to woods, who seems bereft of an idea of what to do with it.

33 minutes see Di Matteo having an unusual moan at the 4th official.

Albion attack once again and Wood has an easy chance from 6 yards, however, puts it over the bar.

Dorrans and Mulumbu play well together and pass the ball back and forth before Marcus Painter takes Thomas out when he gets the ball and painter see’s the yellow card.

Albion seem top heavy on the right hand side and need to force some issues on the left.

Zuiveloon gets a great touch to stop a certian Swansea chance by giving away a left hand corner at the brummie rd end.

The corner is intercepted by Luke Moore who forces a terrific save from Carson with probably the best shot he has made this season. Shame it was the wrong direction, however, good job it was saved so well.

Beattie is really up for it tonight, playing much better than he ever played for the Albion.

Gower passes through to Van Der Gunn leaving Albion in all sorts of trouble, however, Van Der Gunn puts it well wide when he had just an open goal to beat.

Albion get out of jail there.

Woods again shows hi age and inexperience with another fluffed chance.

Dyer goes down in the Albion area, however, the ref says it was too easy and waves play on.

Jara relieves Beattie of the ball and passes on to Dorrans who plays a 1 2 with Mulumbu, however, sloppily they lose the ball.

Gower flys down the right to be met by Olsson and beats him, however, Zuiverloon clears.

Albion are giving the ball away too easy.

Painter on the outside plays the ball back to defence, they pass it around on 44 minutes before making an attack and claim a corner.

Gower takes the corner and Williams forces a punched clearance.

1 minute to be added on

A long ball forward to Moore sees him try to hook the keeper placing it just wide.

Beattie runs down the right with the ball as the ref blows for half time.

Lets hope the Baggies come out with a little more venom in the 2nd half.

No changes for the second half so far, although no sign of Koren and Teixiera is doing some stretches.

Moore and Cech are still not out and news that Newcastle are losing should give albion a boost.

Teixiera and Koren replace Cech and Moore.

Koren is playing off Woods, and immediatelly sends Wood on the attack but he is easily dispossesed.

Thomas runs hard at the Swans but runs into a brickwall winning a free kick.

Thomas takes freekick putting it straight in to the box to be cleared by beattie.

Albion again get theball in thebox only for Williams to clear it.

Dorrans picks up a loose ball passing it back to carson.

Carson sends the ball out to Jara on to Mattocks then thomas and given away.

Albion look more up for it now and in control.

Dorrans gets caught in possession in the swansea half and a swansea counter is snubbed out by Jara.

Koren goes on the march, however, runs in to trouble.

Its wave wave after wave of Albion attacks.

Then Beattie gets free with the ball and scores an easy goal.

A really bright start goes wrong for the baggies, however they go straight back on the attack with Mulumbu and Koren, ball ends up with Zuiverloon who cross is met by the arms of the keeper.

Albion are not for giving up.

Swansea get an attack with 4 against 3, however, Van Der Gunn gives the ball away.

Albion seem to be falling apart having reacting well initially to the goal conceded.

Thomas finds the ball on the half way line and breaks forcing a save form the keeper.

The Hawthorns is alive with the sound of music, sadly its Welsh voices doing the singing.

Beattie and Prattly work an attack, however, Carson is good enough to cope with a weak shot.

Swansea look in control and a yard quicker than the Albion. Albion are falling back too deep and wanting to pass the ball around.

Tiexiera knock the ball past a swansea right back, however, is brought down and awarded a free kick which comes to nothing. Koren returns the favour on Gower giving a free kick away.

Thomas and the 2 subs seem to be making progress and the only likely suspects to make anything happen.

Dorrans sends tiexiera down the right but he has no support and loses it.

Wood finds himself free in front of goal and forces a punched clearance for a corner even though the albion had 2 offside players.

Albions Zuiverloon sends the corner in, williams clears to mulumbu, however, again nothing comes of it.

Koren to dorrans to mattocks down the left and in towards dorrans but the keeper intercepts a lazy ball.

Dorrans picks out Zuiverloon down the right who feeds it in to the box and a real chance is cleared by tate.

Dyer heads down the right and appears to go out of player, however the ref waves play on.

Butler is coming on to replace dyer and swansea seem to be putting the shutters down now.

Albion will do well to get anything from this now, with the shutters down and no real goal getters on the pitch, perhaps they should send olsson up front.

Mulumbu and teixiera work well down the right until mulumbu runs the ball out.

Mulumbu attack again with a decent spell of pressure, however, no sign just yet. Although Tiexiera forces another corner.

Butler eventually smashes away the right wing corner after albion find no real way to creat a solid opportunity.

Van Der gunn races down the right with butler on the end of his croos, however, carson does enough to force him to concede a throw in.

Koren shhots but cleared of the line, swansea break but not far and koren has another chance until he is fouled and the ref stops a great opportunity by not allowing play to carry on.

Free kick from dorrans.

Popped in but headed out by swansea and albion try again without success. 22 mins to go.

Mulumbu breaks finds woods who shoots but no power and the keeper easily grasps the ball.

Wrangel puts the ball off thomas for a throw in, however, albion get the ball back and gain a free kick.

Mulumbu, mattock and zuiverloon work it though the midfield to wood, however, it puts him in trouble and he gives the ball away. Its just too much for a 17 year old to cope with.

Tiexiera runs at the right of the swansea defence, crosses and forces a left wing corner.

Albion appeal for another penalty as the defender nearly catches the corner without a result. The ref seems not to want to give much away here.

Albion are surely only minutes away from a goal. Young Cox is about to come on, but for whom?

Allen on for gower for the swans and cox on for mattocks.

Butler fouled by wood in the albion half and swans stutter to take the free kick.

Cox gets a first touch with a very good chance, shoots and hits it just wide of the post.

Tiexiera delivers a cross in but butler smashes it out for a free kick.

Thomas goes past wrangel, however, runs the ball out and looks like he his fouled inn the process, however, penalty shout number 3 goes without success.

Prattley fouls thomas and gets a booking for the pleasure.

Another swansea goal kick with 20 mins left.

22,000 is the reported attendance.

Thomas again fouled by rangel.

Games goes a little quiet but gets busy again with a long range effort from butler.

Albion need this win for a gap at the top of the table.

Mulumbu loses the ball to williams who chases the ball with tiexiera and albion clear. Only to williams who runs at the albion who easily disposses him.

Thomas get the ball goes on the break, however, runs it out on 82 minutes.

Jara fouls richards gaining a yellow card.

Scott carson catches the ball from off beatties head

It is looking more and more like the top two both losing, however, have albion got what it takes to change this?

Swansea throw in towards beattie but albion get the ball back and mulumbu breaks passing to tiexiera who loses the ball.

Jara feeds thomas in the area who crosses only for it to be headed clear.

Jara feeds zuiverloon who loses it and butler breaks and forces carson to push it off the post and out.

Swansea are looking more likely now although jara feeds tiexiera who runs along the by line crosses but very poorly and its a goal kick.

Albion throw in level with the box near the woodman corner

Olsson flicks it on but butler clears

Jara gets it in the box but butler clears again

Thomas get a good shot but puts it in to the side netting

3 mins added time left.

Albion have a throw in on the left, 2 mins left, jara to dorrans to jara to thomas for another throw in

Jara gets it in to olsson who heads it down and woods has an easy chance but puts it wide

Dorrans fouls and loses albion the imputus although it seems the albion just had their chance

The whistle goes and the sound of boos ring out around the hawthorns after a bad display against a side that were 16th in the table.

This was not the display that is expected of a table topping club. Pretty football destroyed by a swansea team that came with a mission and out foxed the Albion.

Albion are short again of strike power and cannot rely on a second rate moore, and 2 youngsters in cox and woods.

Di Matteo will not be a happy chappie!

Albion Swansea game delayed and we have a female lineswoman

Tonights game has been delayed due to traffic congestion around the vicinity of the Hawthorns and will be underway very soon with a female lineswoman!

Albion play in the usual blue and white stripes with Swansea in red and black.

Youssouf Mulumbu Retires From International Football With DR Congo.

Youssouf Mulumbu today quit international football for the near future and possibly indefinitely.

He walked out on his country’s team and immediately launched a vicious attack on what he called an amateur set up. When interviewed in France the 22 year old midfielder stated he will not return without seeing some big changes.

This is great news for the Baggies, as the player is making a big impact at the club and means that he will be bereft of gruelling trips to Africa on a regular basis.

The issue, Mulumbu stressed, is not a reflection on coach Patrice Neveu, but with the DR Congo football federation whom he feels are sorely lacking professionalism.

The Sol Campbell saga builds up steam.

The rumours circulating around the football world are firstly that Sol Campbell is possibly pricing himself out of the Albions budget.

The star is reportedly trying to acquire wages befitting of his history rather than his current situation, making him a rather expensive acquisition that Jeremy Peace is unlikely to sanction.

It is also running around the rumour mill that Campbell is more interested in using the Albion as a stepping stone back to the premiership slightly different to how the Albion would like. Campbell is more than likely trying to get a deal with the Albion until January, when he will be hoping to have proved that he will be a worthwhile signing for a premiership team in the January window.

Albion should not be taking Campbell on a short term deal and should only take him with a minimum of a 12 month contract and an option to renew should his fitness still be there.

Jara not coming home early to boost injury hit Albion

A glimmer of hope wash dashed when the Chilean FA refused to release banned Gonzalo Jara early from his international commitments. Jara was banned Saturday and as Chile have nothing to play for it seemed that there was every reason to allow him to return home early, however, Chile have refused and he will not return until Friday now. This leaves very little time to get over the travelling and be fit and in the mindset to play Saturdays clash against Reading.

With Dorrans returning from international duty for Scotland with a bruised foot and facing a fight to be fit for Saturday, Di Matteo is beginning to get a bit of a selection nightmare.

Luke Moore is doubtful with a knee injury and Chris Brunt is out for the next 3 games at least suffering with a calf strain. This is all adding up when you consider that Ishmael Miller is out til January at the earliest with a long term knee injury and James Morrisson is also on the long term injured list suffering with a heel injury.

Preston West Brom match highlights

A clean sheet was the very least required by Roberto Di Matteo at Preston, this would at the very least stop Preston from going above the Albion, however, a clean sheet had been missing for the last three games. In the end a goalless draw was galvanised and allowed Albion to keep the second spot during the international break.

The game offered very little in decent chances, however the Baggies had the majority of the few. Dorrans hit the post in the 14^th minute and had that gone ion we may have seen a different result, it may have given the Albion the imputes to go on and win the game. The young Scottish attacking midfielder was probably the only player on the pitch that could claim to have made a keeper make a save in what was a very tight game. This is nothing out of the ordinary as the Albion have been trying for over 50 years to leave Preston with all of the spoils.

Perhaps Di Matteo’s three changes made the difference in this game.  Abdoulaye Meite made his first league start in six months, Marek Cech was back from injury and Gonzalo Jara was also given a place in a five-man midfield. Making way were Shelton Martis, Robert Koren and Chris Wood, who all dropped to the bench.

Albion’s first move was when Chris Brunt took a quick throw-in to Dorrans , the Scot turned sharply finding Marek Cech out wide on the left. He tried to return the favour with a great ball back into the box which Mawene just managed to intercept.

Next moment of any interest was in the 13^th minute when Chris Sedgwick took a quick corner to Ross Wallace who made Dorrans look silly on the edge of the box before he too made him self look silly by sending his shot wide when he should have netted easily.

In the 14^th minute when Dorrans forced a tremendous save from the Lily Whites keeper Roman Bednar was ready for the rebound but he could not keep his effort on target, no doubt down to the most awkward of bounces as he struck the ball. Brunt and Zuiverloon both had shots deflected by Nolan pretty soon after Bednars miss but still no breakthrough was found. Ex Albion favourite Richard Chaplow managed to block an effort by Jara and it was looking very much like whatever happened the deadlock was never to be broken.

Although Albion have been the stronger side of the first period they almost went in behind after a Wallace cross went inches wide from a Jones header.

In the first few minutes of the second half Albion were screaming for a penalty when Bednar was axed down by Neil Collins, however, referee Anthony Bates was having none of it.

Brunt limped off in the 59^th minute and unsure whether he would be making a return Di Matteo left Albion to play on with 10 men, eventually replacing brunt with Robert Koren some 5 or 6 minutes later.

Preston started to get a little freedom and were having a little more in the way of chances, mostly coming to Jones whom was mostly supplied by Wallace.

Man of the match Dorrans went agonisingly close again in the 77^th minute when Bednar knocked the ball back to the youngster who went on to beat Nolan before seeing Lonergan between the sticks push his powerful drive over the bar. Just after this, another ex Baggie in Darren Carter produced a 20 yard shot that was easily dealt with by Scott Carson

Albion were not going to give up and even in the dying seconds of injury time nearly stole the game. A Mattock cross to young Dorrans produced a floor bursting header superbly saved by Lonergan on the line.

Albion (4-4-1-1): Carson, Zuiverloon, Meite, Olsson, Mattock, Brunt (Koren 60), Mulumbu (Martis 90+4), Jara, Cech (Reid 79), Dorrans, Bednar. Subs not used: Kiely, Barnett, Wood, Cox.

Ref: A Bates (Staffs).

Attendance: 11,180.

Albion Plymouth match highlights

Albion continued their unbeaten run when pulling back from behind against Plymouth.

Jamie Mackie gave Argyle a 12th minute lead making Albions job a hard task almost from the beginning.

Shelton Martis regained the parity when equalising in the 34th minute with his second goal of the season. This left the game there for Albions taking and take it they did.

Marek Cech scored at the end of the first half and again near the end of the game to gain all 3 points for the Baggies. Numerous other chances went begging and Cech would have had a hatrick had it not been for the ref dissallowing what looked a legal goal just after the break.

This result sees the Albion on an 8 game unbeaten run and top of the Championship table.

Sheffield United Albion match highlights

A 7^th game unbeaten saw Albion hit the top of the table. The 4 goal draw at Sheffield puts the Baggies a point clear and there they will stay until at least Monday evening, when Newcastle could overall them if they beat Leicester.

Bednar showed his value with a brace, either side of a Ched Evans strike on 55 minutes. His goal seemed and should have given Albion victory, but for a debatable 87^th minute penalty that was converted by David Cotterill.

Albion were by far the better outfit and could easily have been more than a goal in front when the penalty was taken, the Hawthorns faithful will return home feeling a little robbed.

Apart from Bednars 2 goals, he has shown how fit and professional he is by coming through such a demanding game, playing all 90 minutes.

West Brom 4 Rotherham 3 AET

A Simon Cox goal for West Bromwich Albion in extra time sent Rotherham United crashing out of the Carling Cup in a seven goal thriller at The Hawthorns.

Cox pounced from 12 yards in the 117th minute after Chris Wood’s persistence paid off. League Two Rotherham who had twice battled back from a goal down took the lead themselves in extra time, however, the Albion proved to be the stronger team.

Reuben Reid had an eighth-minute shot blocked by keeper Andy Warrington before he played a role in Albion taking the lead. Beattie curled in a cross from the left wing, which ended up in the back of the net when Millers keeper just seemed to stand still on his line.
A costly miss by Bednar then allowed Rotherham to level just six minutes later, making it game on again. Bednar made up for his miss by setting up Dorrans, who made no mistake to give Albion a 2 to 1 lead at half time. 60 seconds later, however, Rotherham pulled it back to level when Pope placed a perfect header beyond the reach of kiely, this took the game in to extra time.

Pope looked to have sealed the victory for Rotherham in the 98th minute when Barnett muffed clearing a Ryan Taylor cross. Albion, however, showed that they too could come from behind, 3 minutes later Beattie scored the 6^th goal of the game and it looked like a penalty shoot out was on the cards. Simon Cox soon put told to that idea, however, when he netted 3 minutes from the end.

Albion 2 Ipswich 0 Match highlights.

A convincing two goal victory could have been even more so had it not been for Ipswich stopper Richard Wright, whom made endless terrific saves this afternoon at the Hawthorns. This was Albion’s first home victory under Roberto Di Matteo, giving Albion fans a sense of feeling that the Premiership will be on the horizon very soon.

Youssouf Mulumbu opened his Baggies account with a 25-yard strike that Pele would have been satisfied with, that was after only 10 minutes. Then the recalled Robert Koren finished off an excellent move with his opening goal of the season on 38 minutes. It was half time, the score was two goals to nothing, with a route on the cards.

Albion had many more chances throughout the game but Richard Wright was good enough to deny each and every one of them. He even managed a tremendous save from a weak Luke Moore penalty which was eventually cleared of the line when Moore went for the rebound.

The end result was a comfortable victory for a side that was by far the better team,  leaving Roy Keane to pick up the pieces from a very very bad start to the season. Keane will be left wondering where the points are to come from, Di Matteo, however, will be relishing the season with a view to managing in the premiership very soon.

Peterborough 0 West Brom 1 Match Highlights

Albion could have gone either way tonight, missing club captain Greening, was an uninjured absentee, making it look like he was on his way out of the club. They could have easily been expected to be subdued by this news, however, by the 41^st minute it looked like Albion were cruising to yet another victory when Chris Brunt made it 3 nil. In the end Albion were lucky to hang on, however, a determined show by the visitors without the regular club captain saved the day.

After 3 minutes, a weak but on target shot slid under the squirming Posh keeper, giving Luke Moore the opening goal. By 15 minutes Albion were dominating and Posh changed tactics by going on the offensive, this seemed to be working quite well until Albion launched a counter attack. Chris Wood fed a ball through to Luke Moore whose 12 yard shot hit the back of the net. That put posh back on the defensive as the Albion launched attack after attack culminating in a mazy right wing run by young loan player Cummings, his cross was met by Brunt who made no mistakes. Three nil and game set and match it seemed.

Posh were not giving up and continued battling right up to the stroke of half time, when they got the goal they probably deserved. Mackail-Smith found the right position to head home from a Shaun Batt cross. This gave hope to the home side and meant that an interesting second half was on the cards.

Posh started the stronger side after the break and soon got their reward when McLean beat Jonas Olsson to slot in a short range effort. Albion were now clearly going to be under pressure for the remaining 30 odd minutes and posh appeared to have got level when their goal was disallowed for a foul on Albion keeper Carson. This prompted Albion in to a little work and they nearly scored another when Moore should have had his hatrick but was denied by Lewis in the Posh goal.

Albion managed to hang on to victory which was soured by Dorrans injury time sending off, his foul on Charlie Lee was terrible and not needed.

Forest 0 West Brom 1 Match Highlights

Former Albion favourite Robbie Earnshaw let the Albion of the hook when firing a 78^th minute penalty well wide, the penalty looked like securing a point for Forest until the sad effort ended up in the crowd.

Chris Cohen’s 52nd-minute own goal was more than the Albion could score, however, ultimately good enough to secure all 3 points. Brunt’s 4^th minute free kick was tipped wide by the forest keeper in what looked a very promising start to the first away game of the Albion’s campaign.

3100 plus Albion fans went home happy after doing enough to win, although the latter stages of the game proved to be owned by a rampant forest. Luckily Carson and Olsson proved to be good enough to defy the Forest efforts. Cohen had been unnerved enough by Moore, whom missed getting on the end of a Greening cross, Cohen finally managed to get a touch on the ball with his knee, this catapulted the ball in to the back of the net.

Forest will feel aggrieved at the result as they were by far the better team, although, even with 5 agonising minutes of added time at the end of the second period did not result in them getting the breakthrough that they seemed to deserve. As shown by the 6 bookings, this was a very hard fought derby game with all the usual ingredients.

Forest (4-4-2): Camp, Gunter, Morgan, Lynch, Cohen, Anderson (Earnshaw 66), Majewski (McGugan 55), McKenna, Tyson; Garner, Adebola (Blackstock 73). Subs not used: Smith, McGoldrick, Davies, Mitchell

Albion (4-4-1-1): Carson, Zuiverloon (Barnett 71), Martis, Olsson, Mattock, Brunt (Cech 74), Greening, Mulumbu, Dorrans, Koren (Beattie HT); Moore. Subs not used: Kiely, Cox, Wood, Reid

Goals: Albion – Cohen (og 52)

Bookings: Forest, McKenna (dissent 52), Garner (dissent 76). Albion, Zuiverloon (handball 56), Moore (foul 58), Martis (foul 68), Carson (unsporting behaviour 76)

Ref: K Stroud (Hants)

Attendance: 22,795

Di Matteos first win at the helm

A potential is how some parts were portraying Albion’s foray into the Carling Cup at Gigg Lane, however, goals by Graham Dorrans, his first ever for the Baggies and a Craig Beattie deflected shot soon put paid to that idea.

After only 3 minutes the predictions could have been confirmed when Danny Carlton dived at a Jones freekick narrowly placing his header over the bar when Kiely was in no position to stop it at all. Teixeira pounced on a loose ball when Paul Scott made a mistake surging into the box, only to be stopped by Ben Futcher with a very strong tackle. Luckily for the Albion the ball ran kindly for Dorrans, who kept his cool to hit home his first-ever Albion goal from just 12 yards.

4 minutes later Cox burst into life and showed his strength to easily beat his marker before launching a 25-yard effort straight at Bury keeper Wayne Brown. Reid and Gianni Zuiverloon worked well together when Reid was fed by Beattie, Reid fed it through to Zuiverloon who hammered just over the bar from 20 odd yards.

Cox saw a tap in to an empty net disallowed just before a deflected shot by Beattie hit the back of the net of Burry’s Jones in the 25^th minute. End to end football pursued until half time, however, Albion never looked like loosing their lead.

The second half produced a different story with endless Bury chances including a disallowed goal, however, the final action was when Dorrans flashed a long shot just wide of the post.

Bury (4-4-2): Brown, Scott, Futcher, Sodje, Buchanan; Racchi (Johnson 60), Dawson, Barry-Murphy (Baker 55), Jones, Carlton (Rouse 30), Lowe. Subs not used: Belford, Creswell, Patel.

Albion (4-4-2): Kiely, Zuiverloon, Barnett, Olsson, Mattock, Teixeira, Martis, Dorrans, Reid; Cox (Wood 80), Beattie. Subs not used: Carson, Greening, Valero, Moore, Samuels, Knight.

Goals: Albion, Dorrans (5), Beattie (25)

Bookings: Bury, Dawson (foul 81). Albion: Reid (foul 61)

Ref: R Shoebridge (Derby)

Attendance: 3,077

Albion 1 Newcastle 1 – Match Highlights

On an emotional evening that started with a minutes applause for the Late Sir Bobby Robson, Albion saw the game stolen by both Newcastle and the referee it seems. This game last season for fought over for Premiership points, tonight, however, the points were their Championship equivalents.

A very lively and entertaining end to end game has set out the stall for both teams, appearing to show the bookies as correct in their prediction for the two favourites to win the Coca Cola Championship. The only thing missing on the night was the shooting boots, with both teams carving out some excellent chances.

Houghton must have been happy to at last get on with the football with all the behind the scenes problems, all revolving around chairman Mike Ashley apparent washing his hands of the club. Ashley seems unable to find an interested party to purchase the club from him, as unable as Newcastle were to survive in the premiership last term it seems. Houghton confused a lot of people by only offering a place on the bench to bad boy Joey Barton, adding fuel to the fire that Barton allegedly had a bust up with Houghton during a mid week training session.

After just 7 minutes, Martis had fired wide from only 7 minutes, this being the first Albion chance of many more to come. Brunt and Moore had many more chances in the first period, as did Duff and Gutierrez for the visitors, although not once did either of them create anything to challenge either of the shot stoppers. Then just before half time Harper could only parry Jonathan Greenings freekick, which reached Luke Moore whose shot was blocked by his own defender Olsson. Martis, another defender was in a real strikers position when he pounced on the loose ball and slotted it home.

The second half saw Harper replaced after suffering an injury during the melee which led to Albion’s opener, Krul appeared in his place and was destined for a great evening.

Duff popped up 10 minutes in to the second half to score for the visitors when Koren was slightly off the pace, however, this goal would have been irrelevant had it not been for Krul, whom denied Moore, Koren and Dorrans with what can only be explained as goalkeeping not associated with a replacement keeper.

With minutes to spare and Albion keeping up the pressure aiming to bag all 3 points, Olsson saw his header hit the back of the net only to be disallowed for no apparent reason by Mr Dean.

Swindon 1 Albion 0 – Match Highlights

An unusually below par performance from the Baggies ended with a Gordon Greer 33rd minute header being the difference between the two sides.

Seven changes from the Banks Stadium friendly gave Albion a completely different look, however, the changes seemed to make for a worse side than has been seen in the pre season games.

Ex Swindon striker Cox along with a handfull of others wasted some excellent chances in the first half, this may have been why Cox was given such a warm welcome just weeks after he left the County Ground.

Swindon had the edge with a strong ariel imbalance being in their favour and although Albion could have been a few goals for the better by half time, the Robins could have been even more goals ahead.

Di Matteo made two changes at half-time, with Barnett and Borja Valero coming on for Samuels and Koren.

Albion were again guilty of missing their chances when Beattie shot wide within seconds of the second half beginning and the remainder of the game turned a little scrappy from there onwards.  It seemed that the mass changes had just taken thier toll and that the Albion could just not get in to any rhythm, lets hope that the starting line up will be a slightly different one when the Baggies host the Toon. Most players put in 100% and showed great skills and effort, however, as a team it was certainly not a good showing.

All in all, Di Matteo will most likely be pleased with individual performances and cannot of expected any real flow of football from such a mixed bag of players.

SWINDON (4-4-2): Lucas; Amankwaah (Cuthbert 86), Greer (C), Morrison, Jean-Francois; O’Brien (Marshall 64), Douglas, Timlin, McNamee (Kennedy 75); Paynter (McGovern 79), Ndebe-Nlome (Macklin 64). Subs not used: Smith, Thompson, Ifil, Easton.

ALBION (4-4-2): Kiely; Zuiverloon, Meite, Martis, Samuels (Barnett HT); Koren (Valero HT), Dorrans, Mulumbu (Cech 62), Teixeira (Brunt 66); Beattie, Cox. Subs not used: Carson (gk), Greening, Olsson, Moore.

GOALS: SWINDON – Greer (33).

BOOKINGS: None.

REFEREE: S Hooper.

ATTENDANCE: 2,482

Walsall 2 Albion 2 – Match Highlights

Pre-match fitness boosts for Albion in the shape of Graham Dorrans able to make his first start of the season and Simon Cox returning to action after both had suffered injury. The teams came out to a small crowd of under 5000 at the Banks Stadium , of which more than half were Albion supporters.

Within the first minute of the game Scott Carson had to come to Albion’s rescue after losing possession deep in their own half, Richards managed a 15 yard shot which was saved only by Carsons legs. Walsall were going to be no push overs and were looking to get one over the Albion in this local derby, minutes later Samuels was forced to clear off the line too.

Albion slowly managed to start to control the game, with Moore making his own chances and forcing a save from Ince. Then in the 12th minute Cox set Koren free and the Slovenian captain managed to get to the ball before the Walsall keeper, Clayton Ince then took him out and cleared the ball, however, the ref waved play on denying what was a sure fire penalty.

The rest of the early part of the first half continued in the vein, however, Albion just seemed to be squandering chance after change. 2 corners from Cech and Cox were wasted as were countless breaks, if direct hits on the goal keeper scored points Albion would have been 10 up!

Approaching the half time whistle the Albion were seemingly coasting, knocking the ball around easily and could even have been accused of showboating. Then, it all fell apart echoing many games from last season when Taundry dropped a cross in to the Albion box which was knocked on by Richards and tucked in to the net by Mattis.

Within another 2 minutes Albion had still not settled to the fact that they were a goal behind when, Walsall broke again and this time Richards hit a curling shot from 20 yrds into the top right hand corner.

So with surely 805 possession Albion still found themselves going in at half time 2 goals for the worse.

At half time Dorrans was replaced by Mulumbu, a change made due to Dorrans being exhausted and not below par. Once the second half was underway Albion had 2 very quick long range shots thaat failed to trouble Ince.

The Baggies slowly got back on top and Cox came very close from a Brunt cross. It was now time for some wholesale changes and Beattie, Zuiverloon and Abdoulaye Meite all came on. After 61 minutes Brunt again crossed and this time Moore took his time and slotted the ball home from short range. This was closely followed by what should have been an equaliser when Zuiverloon supplied Koren who was on the right wing, he managed a great pass in to Brunt who shot over from 15 yards.

Brunt’s terrific right-wing centre dissected the two Saddlers centre-halves and Moore chested the ball down in the box before clinically firing home. Albion continued to dominate and Moore could have netted on 3 separate occasions with the next 10 minutes. Beattie also squandered a few chances before his 87th minute equaliser from the penalty spot after Moore was felled in the box by Gilmartin, when he smashed the ball home.

WALSALL (4-4-2): Ince (Gilmartin HT); Weston (Westlake HT), Hughes (C), Smith (Roberts 67), Vincent; Taundry (Geddes 78), Bradley (Davies HT), Mattis (O’Keefe HT), Richards (Adkins 62); Deeney (Jones HT), Nicholls (Parkin HT). Sub not used: Till.

ALBION (4-4-2): Carson; Samuels (Zuiverloon 58), Barnett (Meite 58), Olsson, Cech; Koren (Valero 83), Greening (C) (Kim 83), Dorrans (Mulumbu HT), Brunt (Teixeira 67); Cox (Beattie 58), Moore. Sub not used: Kiely (GK).

GOALS: WALSALL – Mattis (44), Richards (45+1). ALBION – Moore (61), Beattie (87 pen).

REFEREE: A Penn.

ATTENDANCE: 4,358

Shrewsbury 0 Albion 2 – Match Highlights

A Robert Koren goal and Luke Moores 2nd goal in 3 games gave Albion this two goal victory at Shrewsbury tonight.

Luke Moore, the ex-England Under-21 international opened the scoring after just 15 minutes had passed when Robert Koren slipped the ball to him on the edge of the box, some fancy footwork and a left-foot shot into the bottom right-hand corner made it one nil. Moore created havoc in the Shrews defence for the rest of the first half, nearly doubling his tally on many occasions.

In the 33rd minute Craig Beattie headed Greening’s ariel cross to Brunt and the Northern Ireland internationals badly hit 35-yard volley luckily fell into the path of Robert Koren, Koren then tidily placed it in the right hand corner of the Shrewsbury net leaving their keeper with no chance. Although Albion had many more chances to kill the game of Shrewsbury town were not giving up, with a few scares for Carson after the Albions sloppy defence had been breached.

Di Matteo brought on Dean Kiely, Leon Barnett and Filipe Teixeira for Scott Carson, Shelton Martis and Jonathan Greening respectively after the break, with Luke Moore taking Greenings captains armband. Tixiera and Koren continued to keep Moore and Beattie fed throughout the second half and Albion should have added to the two goals from the first half easily.

New Zealand international Wood had 3 very clear chances that all came within a whiskers breadth of being converted and Beattie along with Moore also came very close on more than 1 occassion.

All in all a good showing and yet another victory, leaving Albion unbeaten under Di Matteo and looking far more confident each game.

SHREWSBURY (4-4-2): Arestidou; Holden (Hooman 79), Coughlan, Langmead, McIntyre; Dobson (Simpson 57), Disley, Murray (Dunfield 57), Neal (Leslie 72); Riza (Gray 72), Robinson. All subs used.

ALBION (4-4-2): Carson (Kiely HT); Zuiverloon, Martis (Barnett HT), Olsson (Samuels 61), Cech; Koren (Valero 72), Greening (Teixeira HT), Mulumbu (Labadie 80), Brunt (Kim 80); Beattie (Wood 72), Moore. All subs used.

BOOKINGS: None.

GOALS: Moore (15), Koren (33).

REFEREE: S Rushton (Staffordshire).

ATTENDANCE: 2,437.

NK Varteks 2 Albion 2 – Match highlights

With Koren fit again Roberto Di Matteo had yet more players to choose from for tonights friendly against the top flight Croation team NK Varteks.

Albion took the lead after 12 minutes with a well finished right foot shot from Craig Beattie, but tonight was not to be such an easy ride as wednesdays game was. Varteks knocked Villa out of the UEFA Cup some 7 years back, so were not going to prove pushovers by any means. The home side drew level seven minutes after Beatties goal when former Croatia international Miljenko Mumlek curled home a perfect 20-yard free-kick.

Half time and the teams went in level which has to be seen as quite a good marker for the Albion, afterall the hosts are only 7 days off the start of their domestic season so should now be completely match fit.

7 minutes in to the second period Beattie netted again with a great breakaway move, Albion now looked like they would coast to victory. The score stayed at 1 – 2 until Scott Carson was found off his line and a chipped shot went in off the crossbar in the 87th minute. That was how the game finished, two goals each.

A couple of bad points from the game was 2 bookings, 1 for kicking the ball away and one for un sporting conduct, not the sort of behaviour you expect in a friendly.

NK VARTEKS (4-2-3-1): Krklec (Dreven HT); Tkalcic, D Skvorc, Prahic (Susac 58), Balajic; Radicek (Lesjak 58), Jagacic (Simek 73); Hojski (Conjar 73), Mumlek (C) (F Skvorc 81), Bloudek (Hasija 67); Vuk (Frljuzec 61).

ALBION (4-4-2): Carson; Zuiverloon (Worrall 67), Barnett (Martis HT), Olsson, Samuels (Valero HT); Brunt (Kim 73), Greening (C) (Koren 84), Mulumbu (Labadie 76), Cech; Moore (Teixeira HT), Beattie (Wood 61). Sub not used: Daniels (GK).

GOALS: NK VARTEKS – Mumlek (19), Lesjak (87). ALBION – Beattie (12, 53).

BOOKINGS: ALBION – Mulumbu (kicking ball away 18), Cech (unsporting behaviour 89).

REFEREE: M Zebec (Lovrecan, Croatia)

NK Nafta 0 Albion 3 – Match highlights

The Baggies took control of this game from start to finish and never looked like coming out anything but victorious. Goals from Moore, a screamer from Greening and a third from Olsson sealed di Matteos first victory in charge of the Albion.

New signing Cox and Moore started up front, having given a good showing earlier in the month at Histon. Greening had his first outing of the season and young Dwayne Samuels also got a place in the starting eleven. Koren, Zuiverloon, Beattie and Dorrans were absent, but only down to injury.

The heat was no opposition for the Albion and they seemed to brush aside the Slovenian First Division outfit with ease, adorned in their new red and blue away kit. Only 9 minutes had passed when Luke Moore slipped a Cox pass past the opposition keeper. Moore netted again a few minutes later from a diagonal Merek Cech cross only for it to be disallowed whilst the home time had by now had just 1 shot on target. Chris Brunt came close minutes later when he put a long range shot just wide of the mark, the Balkan team were still unable to put any kind of attack together. Before half time Albion nearly capitalised on their lead when the partnership of Cox and Moore showed how fierce it really was, this is promising to be a partnership that will have excellent results in the Championship.

At half time Di Matteo made his changes and Cox, Brunt, Mulumbu, Meite and Kiely failed to reappear with Do-heon Kim, Borja Valero, Joss Labadie, Shelton Martis and Luke Daniels taking their places. The manager also changed the formation to 4-1-4-1 and this lead to Albion doubling their lead within under 5 minutes. Greening shot from 25 yards out and although the keeper got a hand to it, the shot was so strong it smashed into the top right hand corner, not the sign of a player aiming to ship out it seems.

After 64 minutes Greening, Cech and Moore were replaced by Worrall, Wood and Teixiera, that was both goalscorers gone but more was soon to come. Chances for Labadie and the 17 year old Wood soon followed before Olsson headed the ball home for the final goal of the night! 0 – 3 was the score!

NK NAFTA (4-3-3): Luk; Matjasec , Caban, Oslaj, Bunc ; Mujakovic, B Gerencer, Vassiljev; Jankovic, Sebok, Koplarovics. Subs: Murko, Vinko, Kolman, Vas, P Gerencer, Miljkovic, Buzeti, Levacic, T Horvat, L Horvat, Bukovec.

ALBION (4-4-2): Kiely (Daniels HT); Barnett, Meite (Martis HT), Olsson, Samuels; Brunt (Valero HT), Greening (Worrall 64), Mulumbu (Labadie HT), Cech (Teixeira 64), Moore (Wood 64), Cox (Kim HT).

GOALS:  Moore (9), Greening (49), Olsson (73).

BOOKINGS: None.

REFEREE: B Mertik (Slovenia).

Half time NK Nafta v WBA FC

NK NAFTA: Luk; Matjasec, Caban, Oslaj (C), Bunc, Mujakovic, Vassiljev, Koplarovics, B Gerencer, Jankovic, Sebok. Subs: Murko, T Horvat, Vinko, Kolman, Levacic, Miljkovic, L Horvat, Vas, P Gerencer, Bukovec, Buzeti.

ALBION: Kiely; Barnett, Meite, Olsson, Samuels; Brunt, Greening (C), Mulumbu, Cech; Moore, Cox. Subs: Daniels, Teixeira, Labadie, Wood, Worrall, Kim, Martis, Valero.

Very little details appearing anywhere on this match, however, a solitary Luke Moore goal seperates these 2 teams at the half time whistle.