Mowbray looking to get back on track

Tony Mowbray is hoping his defence can get back to their prudent best at Newcastle as Albion look to halt an alarming seven goals in just two games without reply.

Albion's new look defence of Gianni Zuiverloon, Ryan Donk, Jonas Olsson and Paul Robinson were receiving the plaudits approval at the start of the month after consecutive clean sheets against Middlesbrough and Fulham earned the Baggies back-to-back victories.

However, a mixture of world-class opposition and sloppy defending has seen England international, Scott Carson, beaten on several occasions with Mowbray hoping to get back on track defensively.

"Our defending generally this season has been better," Mowbray admitted.

"Individuals have got good concentration levels and I haven't felt vulnerable.

"Yet conceding seven goals in two games doesn't suggest that's the case.

"But I'm pretty sure we'll get back on the track quickly."

The Baggies boss insists the same principles of concentration apply at the other end of the field with the free-scoring side from last season smashing home only three goals in five Premiership games.

While Mowbray cannot fault the effort of his men going forward, the Albion chief is hoping for a little more luck in front of goal.

"I'm sure I wouldn't be the first manager to say 'let's hope one goes in off somebody's backside' and then maybe they'll get another and be off and running," Mowbray continued.

"But the method to improve is the repetition of good habits.

"The best centre-forwards tend to have the best technique.

"The clinical side of it, making the right contact with the ball, is what sees them through.

"It's what guides the ball into the corner of the goal, as opposed to over the bar or into the keeper's hands.

"The best strikers make the best contact with the ball.

"How do you do that? Practice every day.

"You practice in your own time to make yourself the best you can be - not just with the manager standing over you criticising the bad one or praising every good one.

"They should be out there with their own bag of balls and a goal fine-tuning their talent.

"If we score when the chances come along we might be 2-0 up, the game opens up and we may get more chances.

"You have to look past the result sometimes and look at the quality this team's got.

"You have to keep believing in the players that those chances will start turning into goals."