Tony Brown wowed by what Josh Griffiths did in West Brom clash v Bristol City
Josh Griffiths caused a stir for West Brom as he replaced Joe Wildsmith in the starting line-up against Bristol City.
Tony Mowbray made the controversial call after the former made a mistake in the 1-0 loss to Sunderland (5 April) that cost the Baggies massively.
Albion were looking to revive their promotion hopes on 8 April by beating the side that currently occupies a place in the Championship playoff places, ahead of a favourable run at the end of the season.
Griffiths proves Mowbray right in West Brom v Bristol City
Mowbray’s decision on the goalkeeping situation could have backfired spectacularly but Griffiths put in a sensational display against the Robins to justify it.
The 23-year-old made three saves in the first half and one from Nakhi Wells left Baggies legend Tony Brown stunned after he witnessed it.
Speaking on BBC Radio WM (20:20 pm), he said: “Great reflex save, what you expect from your keeper, he did absolutely brilliant there.”
Mowbray can utilise Griffiths for West Brom promotion push
A decision like the one that Mowbray made can often define a season and it could prove to be the case on this occasion.
If Griffiths continues to perform at the level he has against the Robins, there is no choice but to keep him between the sticks, rather than bringing Wildsmith back into the fold.
| Stats (League One) | Griffiths |
| Matches | 28 |
| Clean sheets | 7 |
| Save percentage | 71.6% |
| Pass accuracy | 50.4% |
The Albion academy graduate has had to bide his time to be handed a first-team opportunity as he was behind Alex Palmer and Wildsmith in the pecking order and he spent the first half of the campaign on loan with Bristol Rovers, where he impressed.
Given the latter’s blunder on Saturday, he has finally been given his chance and he may well keep the number one spot if he continues to shine as the campaign comes to a close.
The Hawthorns outfit needs a huge push to end the season, as they have three matches against relegation-threatened sides to end their campaign, which could define their playoff hopes and potential promotion to the Premier League.
If they can stay in contention until then, they could have a significant advantage with an away clash with Cardiff (26 April) sandwiched between two home matches with Derby (21 April) and Luton (3 May).