Hodgson hails fighting Baggies

22 December 2011 14:33
Boss commends Albion's never-say-die attitude

A delighted Roy Hodgson praised his side’s resolve after they took the lead three times to record a well deserved victory at St. James’ Park – Albion’s first since 1977 in the league.

Chris Brunt’s sublime through-ball saw Peter Odemwingie open the scoring for Albion in the 20th minute. Demba Ba leveled the scores with a 20-yard free kick 14 minutes later. But Gareth McAuley’s first goal for the club a minute before half time saw Albion take the lead into the break.

Shane Long missed a glorious opportunity to score a third for the Baggies but saw his effort cannon back off the crossbar in the opening minutes after the break. Albion would come to rue the miss when Demba Ba scored his second of the evening ten minutes before full time.

But Albion were not happy with a point after outplaying Newcastle for long period of the match and got their just rewards when Paul Scharner volleyed in Peter Odemwingie’s header in the 85th minute.

After the game, Albion boss Roy Hodgson praised the attitude of his side and their willingness to earn all three points.   

"A lot of balls were being shelled towards our penalty area in the second half," said Hodgson.

"We had to deal with them and when that's happening, and you're not getting hold of the ball as well as you have been, I suppose you're always aware that something might fall kindly and a shot might go in.

"But it was a bit unfortunate the way it happened for their equaliser.

"We had a great break away down the right-hand side and Graham Dorrans missed his chip, put it in the keeper's hands and then Billy Jones goes down with cramp.

"We were trying to reorganise, with Dorrans to go in at right-back.

"All of a sudden the ball is squared and they've got a good shot away and it's 2-2.

"You're then thinking 'that's a bit unfortunate because it looked like we were going to hold on'.

"Credit to the players for coming back to get a third goal.

"To play those last 15 minutes the way we did was a good achievement.

"Many a team would have capitulated at 2-2 and could have ended up going home with nothing rather than three points.

"I was very pleased with the general performance of the team.

"I'm delighted with back-to-back away wins at notoriously difficult places like Ewood Park and St James' Park."


Source: FOOTYMAD