West Brom Fan View: Dismal FA Cup form continues

The FA Cup, a competition that’s been the subject of a lot of criticism in recent years, but is still an opportunity for fans to dream about the prospect of silverware and a trip to Wembley.

After ex-Albion goalkeeper Scott Carson presented the ball to Matt Phillips on the edge of area on Saturday, the in-form Scot expertly curled it past him from 25 yards and the Baggies led Championship side Derby by one goal to nil. It was looking like we would go on to score a few more, cruising into the next round.

It wasn’t to be. Derby scored two stunning goals, the first from ex-Villan Darren Bent (which went down well) and Tom Ince then curled a brilliant free-kick over the wall (which was 13 yards back) and past Boaz Myhill, whose positioning left a lot to be desired.

West Brom huffed and puffed but couldn’t find a way past the Rams stubborn defence, balls rained into the opposition area but it was no use, Derby held on and Albion go out of the cup, again. It was a disappointing performance, especially after putting out a strong side.

After going out of the EFL Cup to League One side Northampton earlier this season, West Brom will have to wait for a cup run again next year, but history doesn’t bode well.

Northampton, Derby, Reading and Norwich, those are just some of the teams who have knocked West Brom out of the cup competitions in recent years, even against teams like Peterborough, Bristol City, Oxford City and Port Vale, we needed either a replay or penalties to advance.

Last year’s reaction to the defeat to Reading in the FA Cup showed how much the fans value a cup run, it was during a really difficult time in the season and Pulis was under serious pressure, ending with the infamous coin throwing incident at the end of the game. Even on Saturday, The Hawthorns had its second biggest attendance of the season, this competition really matters.

The main element of frustration is that we should be beating teams like Reading, Derby and Northampton. We have better players, or we should, so why not have a go? I can understand if we were away against one of the big boys, but at home to Derby? Fans expect more from a Premier League side.

The thing is, competitions like the League Cup and FA Cup add a sense of excitement that you just don’t get from finishing mid-table, however impressive that may be, a good cup run can really top off a good season.

Let’s hope for better next season, because the fans deserve it.