Pools take on West Brom in Carling Cup

By Albatross
September 23 2003

It's more than ten years since West Brom last visited the Vic; and they haven't beaten us here in their two visits. Tonight though it's the Carling Cup that brings the Baggies to Hartlepool; a big crowd looks likely, but will they witness an upset?

Following relegation from the Premiership, West Brom got off to a disasterous start on the opening day of the season when losing 4-1 at a Paul Merson inspired Walsall; however, it wasn't long before they got into their stride. A comfortable 4-0 victory over Brentford in the Carling Cup was followed by five successive league wins; that run ended a week ago with a 1-0 reverse at Wigan. Saturday saw them almost snatch a victory at Crystal Palace when Koumas put them ahead close to time, but an even later equaliser denied them to leave them in third place in Division 1, three points behind Wigan.

WBA didn't take this competition too seriously last season, being knocked out by Wigan after fielding an under-strength side; early indications are though that we can expect to see something like a full-strength side, as that was what was fielded against Brentford in the first round. Icelandic defender Larus Sigurdsson is injured and may not play, but it looks likely that a number of familiar names will be in the starting lineup, including none other than Phil Gilchrist. With players such as Russell Hoult, Jason Koumas, Rob Hulse (already scorer of seven goals this season), Lee Hughes (four goals), Sean Gregan, and former Man Utd player Ronnie Wallwork to call on, it's going to be a tough test for Pools tonight.

Tough, but not insurmountable though. Away from home the Baggies haven't been so good - both defeats have come away from the Hawthornes, and they have conceded seven times. And one thing Pools have shown so far this season is that we have a fair bit of quality up front. If we can keep things tight at the back, it's entirely possible that we could snatch a win. West Brom aren't renowned for their attacking finesse, and it may be that Nelson and Westwood will find little difference from some of the better attacks we've faced so far in Division 2. Having said that, with Hulse in particular in form and Hughes a proven goalscorer outside the Premiership, any slips are liable to be punished. The Pools Defence will also need to be on their guard to pick up Koumas breaking from the midfield; the Welsh international has bagged a couple already this season, and had a decent goalscoring record at Tranmere.

A lot will depend on the attitude of the West Brom players. If they show the sort of determination and form they showed in winning six games on the spin, then there should only be one winner. If they underestimate Pools though, or don't play the game at a decent tempo, Pools have the players to cause them problems.

Although I think this is a game that Pools can win, it's difficult to see the Baggies showing the sort of complacency they did in this competition last year. I reckon we'll push them close, but will lose out 2-1 in normal time, Gabbiadini to score the Pools goal before a late winner for West Brom.