Nine-man West Bromwich Albion stumble against Cardiff City

West Bromwich Albion lost further ground on their promotion rivals in an action-packed encounter with Cardiff City that saw three red cards brandished, including two after the final whistle.

Cardiff were without Leandro Bacuna, following the midfielder’s red card against Bournemouth on Thursday and Kieffer Moore, who left that game with a foot injury, meaning James Collins came into the starting lineup.

Alex Mowatt and Karlan Grant returned for Albion following negative PCR tests, with the latter returning a false positive result prior to last week’s defeat to Derby County.

There was an emotional beginning to the afternoon, as the Baggies paid tribute to those associated with the club who had sadly passed away during 2021. Fans’ anthem “The Lord is my Shepherd” was movingly played over a montage of tributes as the large, appreciative crowd paid their respects.

Early drizzle did little to dampen the atmosphere in this magnificent, traditional stadium, containing 2000 away fans relishing the chance to make a lusty contribution, currently blocked from attending home games due to Welsh Government COVID measures.

Callum Robinson was lively for the home side with Ryan Giles and Mark Harris equally full of energy for the visitors. The fast feet of young Albion starlet Tom Fellows also suggested excitement whenever he was on the ball.

Giles was as effective in his defensive duties as he was pressing forward at wing-back, the Wolves loanee clearly enjoying the chance to impress a Black Country audience.

It was Irishman Collins though, who brought bedlam to the away end with a header sent low into the net on 34 minutes. Welshman Harris spurned a golden chance to double the lead shortly after.

The pink-shirted Bluebirds had proved stubborn and effective opponents for their highly placed opponents in a lively opening 45 minutes.

Within moments of the restart, however, Robinson restored parity for the home side slotting neatly beyond Alex Smithies in the Cardiff goal.

The equalizer sent the home fans into full voice as Albion stepped up the momentum. Grant curled a free kick wide on 51 minutes as the visitors battled to stay in contention, while Collins also flashed a header over the bar in response.

Albion were firm at the back and a threat going forward, the impressive Fellows was replaced by Grady Diangana after an hour.

Cardiff were grateful for the effective work of Smithies in denying the hosts as a lack of composure characterised their attacking endeavours.

The game turned again though on 76 minutes as Alex Mowatt was sent off for a wild hack at Will Vaulks.

Now having the upper hand in personnel, Mowatt’s dismissal seemed to breath new life into the visitors as Welsh voices now rang out around the Hawthorns. Boss Steve Morison introduced highly rated youngster Rubin Colwill into the mix as the game reached its climax.

Still, there was no let-up in the action, as the Baggies were denied what many felt to be a clear penalty in added time when Marlon Pack tangled with Conor Townsend. The drama continued as home manager Valérien Ismaël led the protests after the final whistle.

An untidy melee ensued, with Aden Flint and Sam Johnstone locked in a scuffle in the middle of the pitch, both eventually saw red as home fans vented their anger on referee Thomas Bramall.

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