Baggies 1, Canaries 2.
Norwich Upset Young Baggies First Experience at the Shrine
“The ref made some awful decisions in the first half .Odemwingie should have had a peno. Ayala should have been sent off and there was definite peno for a Norwich handball missed by the ref.” So Cian aged 9 summed up a disappointing game for the Baggies against the Canaries.
And yes it was disappointing. Shorey left too much space at the back to enable Norwich attacks down the left wing and ultimately the first goal by Surman.
Norwich seemed happy to soak up the Baggie confidence lacking efforts and wait for the counter-attack. Mulumbu’s miss-kick in the second half led to the counter attack which led to the second Norwich goal. Sandwiched in between was a Shane Long penalty for an Ayala foul which did warrant a red card but was not given.
When Long and Dorrans came on there was a great bit of a buzz created but after Morison’s winning goal the rising Baggie bubble became deflated again. Hodgson in his after match comments seemed to feel that they lacked confidence. Long’s back so onwards and upwards.
The result didn’t dampen what for Cian and I was a day to remember. Cian jumped at the chance to
go on his first pilgrimage the Hawthorns instead of having a party for his 9th birthday. He decided when he was 7 to support West Brom.
Young Baggies Cian Larkin with Supporters Club Secretary Del Delany
go on his first pilgrimage the Hawthorns instead of having a party for his 9th birthday. He decided when he was 7 to support West Brom.
Young Baggies Cian Larkin with Supporters Club Secretary Del Delany
We had left on the Ryanair Redeye at 6.30 and on arrival in Birmingham made our way to the Park Inn in West Bromwich. A homely football friendly establishment.
On then to the Hawthorns the West Brom Mecca where a 9 year old’s hard saved monies were to be spent in the Club Shop.(this was his real purpose of the trip) An hour later we left lighter-pocketed but with Baggie bagged bounty in our arms.
As Cian was looking again at his treasure we noticed a crowd at the players’ car-park. We caught Tamas who obligingly signed one of Cian's newly bought jerseys as he was getting onto the Team Bus.
After collecting our match tickets from the cheerful staff at the Club reception desk we began our pre arranged tour of the ground. We had got permission to join a corporate tour led by the dapper and eloquent Alan Cleverley the club tour guide. He exudes a passion for the Club which seems more than just part of the job. The group included West Brom and Norwich guests and even two who were WOLVES supporters. Yet we were all entertained by the facts and stories Alan regaled. In the Home dressing room Cian was gifted by the kit, man another jersey to add to his expanding collection. A further surprise was when we met the footballing legend that is Tony “Bomber” Brown. Cian remained silent. As we discussed the tour later he began relating to me a myriad of facts about Bomber. Tony, yes your star still shines, in the eyes of youth.
Tour, shopping done, match kick off beckoned. The result was incidental but the atmosphere in the ground was magnificent. We were at the Birmingham Road
end – totally BAGGIE. The passion, wit, banter, chanting, singing and camaraderie was something Cian and I will never forget. The supporters showed pride in the club and also pride in being such a friendly place which the club strives to show at all times.
As we left the ground and with a child like tear at the result being briefly shed, a philosophical Brummie-like voice game from beside us saying “You get used to it , you’re a Baggie fan.”. We felt part of the stripy family.
Was I tempted to change a 41 year old allegiance to the Kop? Nearly.
We are very grateful to the help we received from Del Delany whose kindness and contacts made this maidan voyage possible. There will be more. Thanks.
Was I tempted to change a 41 year old allegiance to the Kop? Nearly.
We are very grateful to the help we received from Del Delany whose kindness and contacts made this maidan voyage possible. There will be more. Thanks.
