West Brom battle back against cautious Hull City

31 January 2009 18:39
West Bromwich Albion made amends for their lack of quality with an abundance of fighting spirit to come from behind twice at the KC Stadium and deny Hull City what would have been a hugely significant victory.[LNB]Hull could rue this result come the end of the season, yet supporters might argue that their team didn't deserve to win, not least because manager Phil Brown's team selection suggested more caution than ambition.[LNB]He left three genuine forwards on the substitutes bench and named midfielders Craig Fagan and Richard Garcia in a surprise attacking partnership against a team with massive defensive problems.[LNB]Despite this, Hull took the lead on the stroke of half time when Bernard Mendy outpaced Paul Robinson and rounded Scott Carson to break the deadlock. Brown's team never looked entirely comfortable, however and James Morrison's weaving run allowed Jay Simpson to equalise in the 53rd minute. [LNB]Hull regained the lead when Dean Marney and Mendy combined to allow Fagan to head past Carson and restore their fragile advantage. Defensive frailties proved their undoing, however when Kamil Zayatte tripped Robert Koren to concede a penalty which Chris Brunt duly powered past Matt Duke with 18 minutes remaining. [LNB]The more likely winners appeared to be Tony Mowbray's men and he will have been the happier manager last night.[LNB]He said: "The first half was a non-event. There was very little constructive passing. The second half was more exciting and if one side was going to win I thought it was us. We will take a point because we've found it hard away from home this season." [LNB]At least Hull halted an alarming slide of six straight league defeats and Brown, who missed the injured Jimmy Bullard, said: "I'm disappointed that we have not won. It came down to the front two. [LNB]"That might have surprised a few people but I've been watching them in training and they've been magnificent. It's difficult when you've lost six on the bounce in terms of team selection."[LNB]

Source: Telegraph