West Bromich Albion

Sunderland 1-1 West Brom
West Brom's Zoltan Gera headed an equaliser in the dying seconds to end a run of three defeats and cruelly deny Sunderland a much-needed victory. Sunderland defender Gary Breen headed the Black Cats into a seventh-minute lead from a Dean Whitehead corner. They should have made the game safe but Andy Gray and Whitehead both missed chances to add a second. But deep into injury time Gera headed home to extend Sunderland's run without a Premiership win to 26 games. The Wearsiders went into the game rooted to the foot of the table and on the back of five defeats this season. They were also looking to end a barren run in the top flight that started back on 21 December 2002, with a 2-2 draw against West Brom. Going into this game they had suffered a record 25 Premiership games without a win and lost 20 successive top-flight matches. They got off to a perfect start when Whitehead floated in a corner and Breen rose high to meet it powerfully past Chris Kirkland and Paul Robinson's desperate attempt to keep it out with his hand. Sunderland could have added a second had they been more clinical in front of goal. Steve Watson lost the ball in a dangerous position but when Stephen Elliott crossed both Julio Arca and Gray failed to connect cleanly with efforts. Sunderland were well on top and Robinson produced a fine stop to deny Elliott a shot on goal and then Whitehead came inside before testing Kirkland with a low shot that took a deflection. But West Brom gradually established a grip on the game, even if it took half-an-hour for them to seriously threaten. Earnshaw played a one-two with Watson and should have gone for goal but instead squared it for Jonathan Greening, who was offside and thrashed his shot high and wide anyway. The Baggies had a sustained spell of pressure before half-time and were unfortunate not to be level going into the break. Neil Clement fired in a dipping free-kick just over the bar, Robert Earnshaw flashed a shot wide and Greening teased Whitehead before delivering a left-foot cross that Kelvin Davis took off the head of Watson. The opening stages of the second half were scrappy and dominated by some over-zealous officials. Sunderland should have given themselves some breathing space with a second goal after 70 minutes. Substitute Liam Lawrence crossed for Whitehead but his shot was kept out by a fine one-handed reflex save from Kirkland and Gray could only fire the rebound into the ground. Arca was only a yard wide from scoring a wonder goal with his left-foot from the edge of the area. Diomansy Kamara gave Sunderland a fright a minute after coming on when he raced away from Breen and fired in a shot that was too close to Davis. Sunderland had some nervy moments, with Davis dropping a cross and then Justin Hoyte heading off the line deep into stoppage time. But just as they looked to have done the hard work the home defence went to sleep from the resulting corner and allowed Gera a free header. It ended the Baggies' poor run of results and left Sunderland still searching for that elusive win. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sunderland boss Mick McCarthy: "I cannot really describe in enough words how I feel to concede in the last minute. "For us to get that opportunity, not to defend the corner and mark properly is unacceptable. "It's just so disappointing when it ends as late as that - it knocks the stuffing out of you." West Brom boss Bryan Robson: "I was pleased with the spirit of the boys. I thought they kept going until the end. "Full credit to them because our performances have not been where they should have been. "It was important we got out of our losing streak, we didn't want to go to a fourth defeat. It would have been a blow to have got beaten." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sunderland: Davis, Nosworthy, Breen, Stubbs, Hoyte, Whitehead, Bassila, Miller (Lawrence 53), Arca (Stead 80), Elliott (Le Tallec 57), Gray. Subs Not Used: Caldwell, Alnwick. Goals: Breen 7. West Brom: Kirkland, Watson, Curtis Davies, Clement, Robinson, Gera, Wallwork, Johnson, Greening (Kamara 76), Earnshaw (Ellington 82), Campbell. Subs Not Used: Chaplow, Albrechtsen, Kuszczak. Booked: Robinson, Watson, Kamara. Goals: Gera 90. Att: 31,657 Ref: R Beeby (Northamptonshire).

Robson dismisses Kirkland fears
West Brom manager Bryan Robson has allayed fears that on-loan goalkeeper Chris Kirkland suffered a recurrence of his back injury in training. The 24-year-old's run of form at Liverpool last season was interrupted by back surgery but he has now become a regular during his spell at West Brom. "Chris felt a bit stiff in training on Monday so he came off early as a precaution," said Robson. "It is totally unrelated to the back injury he had before." Kirkland has played all six games for the Baggies this season since agreeing to join them on loan for the 2005-2006 campaign. His solid form between the posts has also seen him establish himself as England's number two behind Paul Robinson. And Robson fully expects the 24-year-old to be fully fit for Saturday's Premiership match against Charlton. "We checked him out on Tuesday and it is only a minor thing," said Robson. "He should be fully fit for the weekend when we entertain Charlton." Robson's policy of squad rotation had already meant Kirkland would not be selected for Tuesday's Carling Cup encounter with Bradford.

West Brom 4-1 Bradford
West Brom's Nathan Ellington struck twice as Bradford were well beaten. New £3m striker Ellington scored after 23 minutes, beating keeper Russell Hawarth from Darren Carter's pass. Diomansy Kamara headed in Carter's corner nine minutes later, but Steven Schumacher pulled a goal back for Bradford on the stroke of half-time. Ellington and Robert Earnshaw then both scored from Kanu's passes, but Martin Albrechtsen was sent off for fouling Dean Windass with eight minutes left. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- West Brom: Kuszczak, Watson, Moore, Clement, Albrechtsen, Greening (Kanu 59), Chaplow, Carter, Kamara (Scimeca 45), Ellington, Earnshaw. Subs Not Used: Gaardsoe, Wallwork, Inamoto. Sent Off: Albrechtsen (82). Booked: Chaplow, Carter. Goals: Ellington 23, Kamara 33, Ellington 72, Earnshaw 77. Bradford: Howarth, Holloway, Wetherall, Bower, Edghill, Muirhead, Crooks, Schumacher, Petta, Cooke, Windass. Subs Not Used: Stewart, Cadamarteri, Emanuel, Kearney, Swift. Booked: Bower, Holloway. Goals: Schumacher 45. Att: 10,792 Ref: I Williamson (Berkshire).

QPR make capture of Dyer on loan
West Brom winger Lloyd Dyer has joined QPR on a month's loan. The 23-year-old will go straight into the Loftus Road club's squad to face Millwall on Tuesday. Dyer has yet to make a first-team appearance for the Baggies this season but the Premiership club have the option of recalling him if needed. The pacy forward spent the last two months of last campaign on-loan at Coventry City where he made six outings without scoring.

West Brom deny claims over Gera
West Brom have rejected suggestions of misconduct in not releasing Hungary midfielder Zolten Gera for two of his country's World Cup qualifiers. Hungary have no chance of reaching next summer's finals and Albion have not allowed Gera, who has a groin injury, to travel. "Our medical team has hidden nothing and has nothing to hide," said Baggies director Dr John Evans. "Hungary have every right to send a specialist to England to examine him." He added: "It is very easy to sit 1,000 miles away and criticise but our medical staff have done everything by the book and by Fifa regulations."

Robson tells Carter to be patient
West Brom boss Bryan Robson has reassured midfielder Darren Carter that he remains in his first-team plans. Carter, 21, moved to The Hawthorns from Birmingham in the summer to secure regular football but has started only two Premiership games this season. "Darren is still very much in my thoughts at this time," said Robson. "He is still learning the game to a certain degree and he knows he can improve but he has a real desire to get into the team and be a regular." Midfielder Carter has failed to make the bench for West Brom's last three games, with Ronnie Wallwork, Andy Johnson and Richard Chaplow ahead in the pecking order. Meanwhile, Zoltan Gera will have a painkilling injection to try and ease the groin problem that is threatening to keep him out of Saturday's game against Arsenal. "He has had a few injury problems and we need to get him settled down so he can play to his best. He is still nowhere near training yet," added Robson. "He has had an injection in his groin that we hope settles down towards the weekend but he is very doubtful for Saturday."

Gera faces six weeks on sidelines
Influential West Brom midfielder Zoltan Gera will have a groin operation on Tuesday that could keep on the sidelines for up to six weeks. The injury has forced the Hungary captain to miss the Premiership side's last five games. "Zoltan's had this ongoing problem with his groin for a while now," manager Bryan Robson told the club website. "We were hoping to avoid surgery but he isn't really progressing so we now feel this is the best course of action." Robson added: "He is having an operation and his rehab will probably take up to six weeks."

West Brom close in on Kozak move
West Brom are set to complete the signing of midfielder Jan Kozak on loan for the rest of the season from Artmedia Bratislava. Baggies boss Bryan Robson looked at the 25-year-old during a four-day trial last week and has been impressed. "There is a possibility that Kozak could be coming into the club," said The Hawthorns manager. Chaleroi defender Badou Kere is also on trial at the club and Robson has yet to decide whether to try to sign him. But Slovakian Kozak, who helped knock out Celtic in the Champions League, will add more depth to the West Brom midfield as they battle relegation. He told www.profutbal.sk: "Coach Bryan Robson called me away to him after four days of training and he said he wants me in his team. "I went through medical tests and I saw the stadium of West Bromwich during my stay there." Kozak's manager Petr Kaspar added: "Everything should be decided by Wednesday." The Slovak international midfielder, who scored 24 goals in 104 games for Artmedia, had a trial with Liverpool when he was 17. Players earn about £14,000 a year in the Slovak league.

West Brom clinch Kozak loan deal
West Brom have wrapped up the signing of Jan Kozak on loan for the rest of the season from Artmedia Bratislava. Baggies boss Bryan Robson opted to snap up the 25-year-old midfielder following Kozak's four-day trial last week. Robson told the club's website: "I was really impressed with Jan when I saw his performances in the Champions League against Porto and Rangers. "Jan is an attacking central midfielder. He is very skilful and can create and score goals." The Slovak international midfielder joined Artmedia in 2003 and scored seven times in 34 appearances last season as they won the Superliga title for the first time in their history. Kozak becomes the third Slovakian international to join The Hawthorns in the last five years following the arrivals of Igor Balis and Stan Varga.

Horsfield makes Sheff Utd switch
West Brom striker Geoff Horsfield has joined Sheffield United on loan until the end of the season. The deal is with a view to Horsfield signing permanently and the 32-year-old told the Blades' website: "I'm pleased to be coming back to Yorkshire. "Sheffield United are flying at the moment and this is a great chance to get back in the Premiership. "I'm delighted it is done and that I can come back up to Yorkshire and complete the deal." The Barnsley-born striker has previously played for Halifax, Fulham, Birmingham and Wigan. He made his final appearance for West Brom on Saturday as the Baggies were thrashed 6-1 at Fulham.

Baggies focused on reduced squad
West Brom chairman Jeremy Peace insists the club's decision to reduce their squad this season has given them the best chance of avoiding relegation. The Baggies have cut their playing staff to 25, compared to 35 at this time last term, but they are nine points better off. Peace explained: "We moved a number of players on in January and only brought in three replacements. "We've concentrated our resources on fewer players and that will help us." Experienced players such as Darren Moore, Ricardo Scimeca, Robert Earnshaw and Jason Koumas were among those to be sold, with Nigel Quashie, Williams Martinez and Jan Kozak coming in. "It will give us more of a chance of staying up as the seasons go by. There is now a good balance between the way the footballing side and the financial side of the club are run." However, Peace insists he is taking nothing for granted in the battle against the drop. Boss Bryan Robson's side are currently 17th in the Premiership, six points off the relegation zone on 26 points. But Peace added: "The main thing is still to try to get to 40 points. "The margin between success and failure is fine at this level. You can look at the fixture list and think what games you can win - but it never works out like that."

West Brom 0-2 Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough's strikers proved the difference as they got the better of 10-man West Brom. Two first-half Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink strikes eased Boro's relegation fears just three days after they booked a place in the last 16 of the Uefa Cup. Hasselbaink drilled Boro ahead and doubled their lead with a deflected free-kick on the stroke of half-time. The Baggies, who lacked a cutting edge in front of goal, had Nigel Quashie dismissed for foul play on 54 minutes. Both teams were desperate to get a win under their belts to help drag themselves away from the relegation mire and they made their attentions clear from the off in a lively start which produced chances at either end. Yakubu had a clear sight of goal in the opening minute when Chris Riggott's nod down found the Nigerian forward - but he failed to get his header on target from close-range. West Brom were equally bright at the other end as Martin Albrechtsen whipped a dangerous ball into the penalty area which evaded the Baggies' front line and Neil Clement's 25-yard free-kick was well held by Mark Schwarzer. But it was the visitors who took the lead following clever play between Gaizka Mendieta and Yakubu. Yakubu played a perfect pass through for Hasselbaink who charged through on goal to drill the ball under the body of Tomasz Kuszczak. The Baggies did not let their heads drop and exerted much pressure on Boro's back four as Diomansy Kamara saw his close-range effort charged down before Jonathan Greening dragged his follow-up wide of the post. The Baggies deserved to go into the break all square but Boro delivered a cruel blow on the stroke of half-time by doubling their advantage when Hasselbaink's free-kick took a huge deflection off Ronnie Wallwork to wrong-foot Kuszczak. Rather than feel sorry for themselves, Bryan Robson's side continued to take the game to Boro after the restart and Quashie almost reduced the deficit with a header but Schwarzer was equal to it. But the former Southampton man was shown a straight red card minutes later for foul play when frustration appeared to take over and Quashie kicked into the back of George Boateng. Despite West Brom being faced with an uphill climb to get something out of the game, Greening flashed a 20-yard effort that drifted wide of the post and Kanu saw his low effort from close-range again saved by Schwarzer. And while the hosts' work ethic could not be questioned, a lack of a killer touch in front of goal proved their downfall. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- West Brom boss Bryan Robson: "I thought we were the better team, passed the ball around but we weren't clinical enough. "I thought we deserved to get at least a goal out of the game but when you defend like we did for the first goal, you're going to get beaten. "Their second goal was just a bit of good fortune before the break." Boro boss Steve McClaren: "We had a blip against Aston Villa a couple of weeks ago but we've shored up our defence and that's been our platform. "We had stubborn defending, played good football and Jimmy-Floyd Hasselbaink and Yakubu upfront delivered for us. "There's a great feeling in the dressing room. We're still in the FA Cup and Uefa Cup and on a good run." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- West Brom: Kuszczak, Albrechtsen (Inamoto 81), Curtis Davies, Clement, Robinson, Greening, Wallwork, Quashie, Kamara, Campbell (Kozak 58), Kanu (Ellington 81). Subs Not Used: Kirkland, Martinez. Sent Off: Quashie (54). Middlesbrough: Schwarzer, Queudrue, Riggott, Southgate, Parnaby, Mendieta (Davies 80), Cattermole, Boateng, Pogatetz, Hasselbaink (Maccarone 72), Yakubu (Viduka 88). Subs Not Used: Jones, Ehiogu. Booked: Southgate, Cattermole. Goals: Hasselbaink 17, 44. Att: 24,061 Ref: M Dean (Wirral).

Quashie hit by misconduct charge
West Brom's Nigel Quashie has been charged with misconduct by the Football Association after being sent off against Middlesbrough on Sunday. The midfielder already faces a four-game ban for the red card, which was his second of the season. But he could be out for longer for alleged use of foul and abusive language towards one of the referee's assistants as he left the pitch. Quashie has until 1800 GMT on Wednesday to respond to the charge. An FA disciplinary commission set to examine the case on 7 March, and manager Bryan Robson has already said he will fine the Scotland international over the incident. "I am disappointed with Nigel's discipline because he let himself down and he let his team-mates down," he said. "It was a sending-off offence. I don't think it was really violent but he had a little kick at Boateng and the referee was right to send him off."

West Brom 1-2 Chelsea
Chelsea marked manager Jose Mourinho's 100th match in charge with a win to further cement their Premiership lead. Having been virtually anonymous as an attacking force in the first-half, Chelsea took the lead on 50 minutes through Didier Drogba's low shot. Chelsea were reduced to 10 men when Arjen Robben was sent off for a wild two-footed lunge on Jonathan Greening. Joe Cole made it 2-0 from close-range, before Kanu led a late Baggies rally and slipped the ball past Petr Cech. Chelsea's win contained all the ingredients that have characterised Mourinho's reign, lethal finishing allied to superb defensive play, sprinkled with a huge dose of controversy. Mourinho's managerial counterpart Bryan Robson was left fuming at Chelsea's late return to the pitch at the start of the second half as the interval stretched to 18 minutes. Robben's dismisssal for a dangerous tackle after he had lost the ball was fully deserved, while Robson and Mourinho had another bad tempered exchange just before Cole's goal. If Chelsea were at their efficient best in the second half, Mourinho's side were altogether more sloppy in the opening 45 minutes. After Eidur Gudjohnsen badly scuffed a shot wide in the game's first chance, Chelsea found it difficult to get out of first gear. Chelsea's sluggish start allowed West Brom to come into the game and Kevin Campbell drew a fine save from Cech following Diomansy Kamara's free-kick. Cech was then unable to get sufficient distance on his punch from a Greening cross and Jan Kozak went close with a lob that landed on the roof of the net. Just before the half-hour Chelsea managed to finally test Tomasz Kuszczak, who moved swiftly to collect Damien Duff's shot. Five minutes before the interval Kamara slalomed down the wing before cutting inside and shooting into the side-netting. If Chelsea were sloppy in that opening half, West Brom picked up the habit after the interval with fatal consequences. Junichi Inamoto's casual pass richocheted to Drogba and as succession of West Brom defenders stood off, the Ivory Coast striker found the corner with a low shot. Drogba then almost grabbed a second, running on to Robert Huth's diagonal pass, before striking a half-volley that Kuszczak was unable to hold. Having finally established some semblance control of the match, Chelsea found themselves playing the last half-hour at a numerical disadvantage after Robben was red-carded for his reckless tackle on Greening. But West Brom shot themselves in the foot for a second time as substitute Cole was on hand to fire the ball into the net after the home side failed to clear the ball after a Drogba shot. With two minutes to go Kanu was on hand at the near post to force the ball past Cech, but Chelsea held on to pick up another three points. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- West Brom boss Bryan Robson: "I have invited him (Mourinho) and his staff in after the game for a glass of wine. I have no qualms about it. "That's it as far as I'm concerned. "He is a very good coach and is doing a fantastic job at Chelsea. They grind out results. He hasn't wound me up, my team wound me up." Chelsea captain John Terry: "The referee was saying Arjen Robben's was a two-footed tackle but he didn't touch the man at all. "We had a long team talk. We got a bit of a telling-off at half-time, it was what we needed. "Our fans were fantastic, singing Peter Osgood's name, and we'd like to dedicate that win to him. He was a great man." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- West Brom: Kuszczak, Albrechtsen (Watson 82), Curtis Davies, Clement, Robinson, Greening, Wallwork, Kozak, Inamoto (Ellington 71), Kamara, Campbell (Kanu 71). Subs Not Used: Kirkland, Carter. Booked: Wallwork. Goals: Kanu 88. Chelsea: Cech, Paulo Ferreira, Terry, Huth, Gallas, Essien, Makelele, Gudjohnsen (Geremi 73), Robben, Drogba (Wright-Phillips 85), Duff (Joe Cole 63). Subs Not Used: Cudicini, Maniche. Sent Off: Robben (62). Goals: Drogba 51, Joe Cole 74. Att: 26,581. Ref: M Halsey (Lancashire).

Baggies deny being reported to FA
Boss Bryan Robson has denied reports West Brom have been reported to the Football Association after events during Saturday's match with Chelsea. Referee Mark Halsey has reported incidents from the match to the FA. And Chelsea are likely to face charges for confronting Halsey, for boss Jose Mourinho's behaviour and for being late onto the pitch after half-time. But Robson said: "The referee has made no specific complaint to the FA about West Brom following Saturday's game." Robson also backed Halsey's decision to send of Chelsea winger Arjen Robben for a lunge on Ronnie Wallwork. He said: "I haven't changed my mind about anything I said after the match - apart from that the referee got it spot on with his decision to send off Robben. "Once I saw it on TV after the game, I could see it was a two-footed challenge." Chelsea face charges for confronting Halsey, for manager Jose Mourinho's touchline behaviour and for being late onto the pitch after half-time. West Brom are also likely to be in the dock with the Football Association. "Incidents in the 43rd and 63rd minutes of players surrounding and harassing me have been reported to the FA," said Halsey after Chelsea's 2-1 victory. The first incident in Halsey's report came when Chelsea players surrounded him following a bad foul from Wallwork on Claude Makelele, which earned the Baggies midfielder a yellow card. Then in the 63rd minute Chelsea winger Arjen Robben slid into Jonathan Greening and was sent off - prompting Blues players to surround the referee. Mourinho responded by offering Halsey ironic applause. But the Blues camp claim West Brom's Paul Robinson started the problem by running to Halsey demanding a red card. Robson had several angry exchanges with Mourinho on the touchline. He was angry after Chelsea came back late for the second half and then felt Drogba tried to get Greening red-carded. The Baggies boss accused Chelsea striker Didier Drogba of diving following the Midlanders' defeat at The Hawthorns. "Drogba was trying to get our player sent off, there's no doubt about that," said Robson. "Mourinho's got his opinion on it, I've got mine, and Drogba dived." But Chelsea responded by claiming Robson started the problems. The Blues' director of communications Simon Greenberg said: "We felt that Bryan Robson set the tone for much of this from the first minute. "He was insulting our players and our bench virtually from the start. After 57 seconds, he was out of the dug-out accusing Damien Duff of diving and shouting at the referee and that general tone continued." But Robson was backed by former Chelsea player John Hollins and Everton boss David Moyes, who criticised Mourinho's behaviour. "Over here, in this country, we shake hands at the end of the game and you always invite the managers to come in," said Moyes, following reports Mourinho had ignored Robson's offer of a post-match drink. "They don't need to come in, but I think that's something that the British managers in the main accept, that you come in and have a glass of wine or a beer with them after. "We're all passionate and we all want to win and we all have to protect our own teams, but I think at the end there's also a wee bit of dignity needed." Hollins criticised Drogba's antics, telling Sir Stanley: "He does do it quite a lot. "The strangest thing is, you have got two players in that side - John Terry and Frank Lampard - who play every single game committed, get into people, tackle people, score goals, stop goals, and they play every week. "They are very rarely booked for anything, and yet the guys around them let them down because they give you a bad name. "All the guy was doing was trying to walk past him, and that's disgraceful. He's trying to get somebody sent off." Robson felt Robben was unfortunate to be shown a red card but insisted that did not excuse Drogba. "I think maybe the sending off against Robben was a bit harsh but Drogba was trying to get our player sent off," Robson added. "Fair play, the referee didn't buy it. Jonathan Greening didn't touch him." The match atmosphere intensified in the second half after Robson thought the Chelsea players took too long to emerge from their dressing room. "The bell went ages ago, our lads were out on the pitch and, for whatever reason, Chelsea were very late coming out," said Robson. "I've no qualms with that - whether that's gamesmanship doesn't really bother me." And on a bad day for the home side Robson also felt they should have had a late penalty for a challenge on Kevin Campbell. "I thought it was a definite penalty, which could have got us back in the game," he insisted.

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