Stoke 1-2 West Brom: Sunday Mirror match report
Published 21:00 21/01/12 By Ian Edwards
Graham Dorrans’ first goal for almost a year made sure West Brom’s hopes of ending 30 years of hurt in the Potteries were not left blowing in the howling wind.
The Scot who has struggled to make any kind of impact in the top flight and is wanted by Glasgow Rangers has hardly been flavour of the month with Roy Hodgson, but he made it 19th time lucky for Albion on their travels up the M6.
And the West Brom boss might be having a rethink after the 91st minute free-kick for Dorrans’ first goal of the season.
It prevented Cameron Jerome from robbing pumped up Albion of their chance to ram the statistics down the throats of their critics. Jerome thought he had piled on the agony to extend Albion’s failure to win in the Potteries into a third decade.
His close-range header from Jermaine Pennant’s free-kick four minutes from time spared Jon Walter’s embarrassment of having his spot-kick saved by Ben Foster.
But Dorrans’ late strike was no more than the Scot deserved, although the midfielder could face an investigation from the FA for his celebrations after the goal when he appeared to make a gesture to Stoke fans.
Earlier James Morrison typified the courage of his team-mates in laying the foundation for victory, his 35th-minute opener leaving Stoke keeper Thomas Sorensen red-faced.
Hodgson said: “The club has waited 30 years for the result and the players who have come in today have done a fantastic job. We had a lot of good opportunities and when a team equalise late on it tests you. You have to deal with it and show your character and I am delighted.”
Morrison’s goal came after Sorensen produced a moment of outstanding quality, the Dane managing to tip Morrison’s rasping strike on to the underside of the bar.
What followed however, was in complete contrast and it is a goal Sorensen will want to forget in a hurry. He almost did the splits like Bambi on ice as Morrison’s shot swerved late and squirmed under his body. Meanwhile, at the other end, his Stoke counterpart excelled.
Foster was at fault when Stoke won at the Hawthorns earlier in the season, his lack of bravery leading to Ryan Shotton’s winning goal.
But he made up for that with an excellent save to deny Walters, after Gareth McAuley was unfortunate to be penalised for a challenge on the striker.
Stoke never give in and four minutes from time Jerome headed home from close range following Pennant’s perfectly delivered free-kick.
But it was Dorrans’ swerving effort, creeping through a crowded penalty area, which put an end to Albion’s miserable run.
Stoke boss Tony Pulis said: “We started very, very flat and if I knew the answer to that I would be a genius, but I am more concerned about the two goals we conceded.
“I was a bit disappointed with the second to be honest.”
