Andy Hinchcliffe reacts to major penalty shout for West Brom against Fulham
Fulham were “lucky” not to concede a penalty against West Brom for what looked like a clear foul on Alex Mowatt according to Andy Hinchcliffe.
The Baggies midfielder was first to a loose ball in the Cottagers’ area and looked to obviously have had his foot kicked by Harrison Reed, but referee Kevin Friend ignored the home side’s appeals.
Steve Bruce’s side were by far the better side over the half, and should have gone ahead, not least from the spot had the decision been given.
Speaking on the Sky Sports match broadcast, Hinchcliffe said: “The debate still rages, West Brom aren’t happy.
“Harrison Reed is looking to clear that ball over his shoulder, doesn’t see Mowatt, does he catch him? Definitely seems to kick through him.
“Referee Kevin Friend, he’s in a great position, says there’s nothing wrong there. Reed is lucky.
“Mowatt gets to the ball first, then he’s caught. Looks like a penalty.”
Tall order
A visit from the league leaders is never an easy proposition, especially one that boasts by far the deadliest striker in the division.
Had this fixture come a couple of weeks earlier there wouldn’t have been many around the Hawthorns with much hope of getting anything from it.
But the upturn of the new boss’ first win, and a rousing sudden turnaround at the end of last week, coupled the top team’s surprise draw with one of the relegation zone dwellers suggested a bit of an opportunity.
A bright start from the home side reinforced the feeling that there might be something on offer here.
The start could have got even better if the officials had given what appeared to be an obvious decision for the foul on Mowatt.
A resurgent Baggies side created the best chances for the rest of the half and there is plenty of reason to think that they can continue to cause Marco Silva’s side problems.
In other West Brom news, manager Bruce defended one of his players against fan anger.
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