Pundit reacts on air as West Brom v Huddersfield controversy mentioned
Dean Ashton believes Conor Townsend did the right thing to earn West Brom a penalty in the first half of the Baggies’ 1-0 win over Huddersfield.
Matty Pearson’s clumsy challenge proved to be the decisive moment on Saturday (11 March) as John Swift sent Tomáš Vaclík the wrong way to secure a valuable three points.
ITV presenter Hugh Woozencroft had suggested it was a “debatable” incident. However, Ashton felt there was enough contact for a penalty to be awarded.
“It was decided by a moment which was debatable for some,” said Woozencroft (ITV EFL highlights show, 27m 30s, 11 March).
Ashton replied: “Let’s just have a quick look at that in terms of Townsend, he does the right thing and steps across Pearson who then makes contact.”
Stonewall
The fact that Woozencroft even suggested it was “debatable” is laughable. It was a clear foul and Huddersfield can have no complaints.
We do need to take a moment to appreciate the quality of the move from Albion. It was a smart run from Townsend and an equally clever ball from Jed Wallace. Had the foul not been committed, there’s a good chance the Baggies would’ve created an excellent goalscoring opportunity.
Successive home victories following the defeat to Hull City has been a good response from Carlos Corberan’s men. The Hawthorns has now turned into a fortress and it’s absolutely vital they make the most of their home games during the run-in.
The playoffs are now back within touching distance and a win against Cardiff City on Wednesday (15 March) will set up the weekend’s visit of Millwall nicely. The Lions hold the last playoff berth and have been in superb form of late.
In other West Brom news, a defender may never feature for the club again after what happened and may even leave for free.