On the night the Baggies returned to the top of the table it would have been nice to report a scintillating performance had put us there. Unfortunately this was not so. Not that the 2-0 scoreline was flattering, better finishing would have seen the score doubled comfortably. Scunthorpe were, at best, average. They opened us up too often, yet never produced the final telling ball, giving Scott Carson a relatively quiet night in goal, aided not inconsiderably by the presence of the impressive Olsson & his sidekick Tamas.
First Half
Di Matteo gave loanee Frank Nouble a debut in place of the suspended Jerome Thomas and recalled Jara, Olsson and Koren to the starting line-up. We started brightly and should have taken the lead early on when a powerful run by Nouble, followed by a smart pull back, left Roman Bednar with a good scoring opportunity from around 12 yards. A powerful low drive would have seen us take the lead. The Cech marksman chipped into the Smethwick End instead. He was to make amends soon after.
A fine move down the right saw Koren deliver an inviting low cross which Bednar finished with aplomb! Unfortunately, instead of spurring us on, the goal seemed to have the opposite effect and our play deteriorated as the half went on. Nouble produced a few runs down the left wing, but had no final product. Brunt got booked for a nasty tackle which saw Brendan Moloney forced out of the game in the 23rd minute; otherwise we did little else during the half, save for misplace passes and look generally lacklustre. Mulumbu & Dorrans worked hard enough, but their game wasn't up to their usual standard. Koren went awol.
After the break
The second half, like the first, opened brightly, but soon petered out. Chris Brunt had a glorious chance to double the lead, but with the goal begging, and the ball on his favoured left foot, he managed to put his shot wide of the near post. Scunthorpe continued to be gifted possession but Jonas admirably dealt with most of the danger. If he didn't Tamas did. Substitutions were needed and were made. Koren was the first to go, replaced by Simon Cox, followed by Nouble then Brunt, replaced by Slory and Zuiverloon respectively. Three out of three for the manager there, they were the poorest players out there. Nouble looked like he may become an asset, but faded, Brunt was quiet, Koren awful.
The second goal was a long time in coming, but like the first was a well made and converted affair. Cox and Bednar combined to put Zuiverloon through, who lashed the ball into the net.
Sadly the final notable action saw Iron defender Cliff Byrne sent off for bringing Andy Slory down when his pace looked about to unlock the visitor's defence again. I would have loved to see the move reach its conclusion, a goal for the new fellow would have been a boost to his confidence and given us another moment to savour. Unfortunately it was not to be. Needless to say the free kick was wasted.
On reflection
In conclusion, we weren't great, but did enough against weak opposition; and the four point cushion over Forest makes the world a brighter place, for the time being anyway.
Man of the Match: Jonas Olsson