West Brom earned themselves three points in the Championship yesterday, beating Ipswich Town in the late kick-off.
West Brom scored either side of half-time to claim an impressive three points, with Carlos Corberan‘s side moving up into 5th place of the table.
It was a commanding win and a fourth win in five for the Baggies who now sit 10 points behind the Tractor Boys in 2nd; it was only their second league defeat of the season yesterday.
And there was a win for Baggies academy man Taylor Gardner-Hickman and his Bristol City side, with the 21-year-old opening the scoring as Liam Manning earned a first win as Robins boss.
Taylor Gardner-Hickman on target
Gardner-Hickman isn’t known for his prowess in front of goal, but he’s still regarded as a top prospect among Baggies fans.
Yesterday though he showed that he does have a scoring touch after he curled in an effort from range to give Bristol City the lead against Middlesbrough.
It’s his first goal of the season for Bristol City having now made 13 Championship appearances on loan at the club, with a goal and two assists to his name.
Food for though for Corberan and West Brom
West Brom’s decision to loan out Gardner-Hickman has come under criticism.
He didn’t look set to play a key role this season but many think he could’ve contributed to West Brom’s promotion push, with Gardner-Hickman a very versatile and useful player.
Still, West Brom are doing well and Gardner-Hickman is doing well at Bristol City, and expect Corberan and co to be keeping a close eye on his progression.
Playing under a more contemporary coach in Manning will also hold Gardner-Hickman in good stead when he returns to West Brom next summer, and scoring goals like the one above certainly won’t do his chances of eventually earning a place in the Baggies XI any harm.
He’s progressing well as a player and getting regular game time at Ashton Gate; West Brom though will hope that the Robins don’t come up and interfere with their own top six push, which is so far going very well.
Up next for West Brom is a trip to Cardiff City on Tuesday night, with kick off at 7:45pm.
A win for West Brom here could see them leapfrog Southampton in 4th and even go level on points with Leeds United in 3rd.