West Brom’s relegation fears were worsened as they lost 2-1 to Oxford United in what was a relegation six-pointer at the Kassam Stadium.
The Baggies could have dragged themselves four points above the drop zone had they ended a 13-game streak without a win on the road that stretched back to October last year. Unfortunately, Albion could not take advantage of Leicester, Portsmouth and Blackburn all losing in the lunchtime kickoffs.
Albion found themselves 2-0 down inside the first half hour despite being the better of the two sides, unforced defensive mistakes once again the reason for their downfall.
Ollie Bostock was a shining star in an otherwise disappointing afternoon on the road for the Baggies. Here are five things you may or may not have noticed.
West Brom’s away support the best in the league
This is a fanbase who have not seen their side win away from The Hawthorns since October, and yet, every single week we see a bursting Baggies away end. Once again, the fans were in fine voice, this time at the Kassam Stadium and all you could hear as the game kicked off was the away support.
Little changed throughout the game as fans continued to urge their players on and no doubt it will be more of the same at Sheffield United next week. Not that this side deserves it.
Josh Maja is running out of rope with West Brom fans
It’s safe to say West Brom fans were surprised to see Josh Maja in James Morrison’s starting XI at the Kassam Stadium. Supporters are clearly losing patience with the forward who has shown how good he can be, especially last season.
It’s difficult to narrow down exactly what is wrong with Maja, is it fitness? Was it transfer distractions in January? Whatever it is, he is a striker completely lacking any sort of form, much to Albion’s misfortune, because when he’s firing, he’s by far and away Albion’s best striker and they desperately need him.
Jayson Molumby’s reaction to Oxford taking the lead
Oxford took the lead through Stanley Mills, heading home a corner on the quarter of an hour mark.
Heads dropped on the pitch, as they did in the away end. Everyone associated with West Bromwich Albion Football Club had the sinking “here we go again” feeling, and rightly so, this is a side who have failed to win in 14 games on the road.
Molumby instantly waved his arms, shouting to his teammates not to lose their heads and relax, there was still plenty of football to be played. His reaction stood out in a team that clearly has no confidence whatsoever right now. Ultimately, West Brom conceded again 10 minutes later.
Ollie Bostock is James Morrison’s lucky charm
At long last, West Brom get a little bit of luck this season, and Ollie Bostock once again finds the net for James Morrison’s West Brom. It was no less than they deserved in all honesty, the visitors were by far the better team in the first half, yet somehow found themselves 2-0 down before his goal off the back of two mistakes.
When Mikey Johnston limped off, everyone assumed it would be Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba who replaced him. If Eric Ramsay was still at the helm, I’m sure it would have been. Morrison clearly rates young Bostock who once again proved him right.
Will Lankshear – Albion that
Will Lankshear failed to score a single goal while on loan at West Brom. His 26th-minute goal to double Oxford’s lead meant he had scored home and away against Albion this season.
Albion that.