Callum’s Baggies booster
VACCINE CYNIC ROBINSON GIVES READING THE NEEDLE
GRAHAM THOMAS
By at The Hawthorns CALLUM ROBINSON — the vaccine sceptic who felt the fury of fans earlier in the season — came to West Brom’s rescue on the day Covid-19 floored four of his teammates.
Robinson scored the only goal as a makeshift Baggies line-up made it back-toback victories to stay on the tails of Fulham and Bournemouth.
If that was an irony, then the storyline will get weirder still when you consider that from midweek anyone wanting to get into a stadium will need to show a vaccine passport.
Robinson drew plenty of heat on social media back in October when the Republic of Ireland striker admitted he had not been vaccinated, despite twice contracting the virus.
Manager Valerien Ismael said he would speak to the player, but he was grateful for his continued presence when Robinson calmly slotted home just past the hour mark - his first goal for the club since August.
Ismael revealed West
Brom had tried to get this game postponed after four players tested positive and others went down with symptoms, but the EFL refused the request.
“The EFL said we had to play,” claimed Ismael.
“The doctor from the EFL said it was an outbreak but they forced us to play.
“Normally you think ‘safety first’ and think of your opponent as well but we had to accept it.
“We didn’t want to make any excuses, but it had been a very difficult week.
“So, I more than proud of the players. This could be about more than just the win. We have created a mentality and a character that could be massive for us.”
With virus cases, other illnesses and injuries, Ismael was down to just 10 fit outfield players so the Frenchman had to press plenty of square legs into round holes.
But Reading were easily subdued and although Albion had not scored from 15 earlier attempts, the goal eventually arrived when the Royals slacked off and Karlan Grant was able to gallop away down the left.
His low cross was met by Robinson at the near post, who cleverly stabbed his shot into the roof of the net.
It might have been different had Reading scored with their one big opportunity just before the break, but Tom Dele-Bashiru’s shot WEST BROM: Johnstone 7; Livermore 6, Bartley 7, Gardner-Hickman 7; Furlong 6, Molumby 6, Mowatt 7, Reach 7; Robinson 8 (Fellows 87), Grant 7; Hugill 6.
Subs not used: Cleary, Taylor, Tulloch, Ingram, Ashworth, Button.
READING: Southwood 7; Ashcroft 6, Holmes 6, Dann 6, Rahman 5; Laurent 6; Halilovic 7, Moore 6 (Puscas 75, 6), Dele-Bashiru 6, Tetek 5 (Hoilett 68, 6); Carroll 6.
Subs not used: Rafael, Araruna, Osorio, Araruna, Bristow, Camara.
MAN OF THE MATCH: Callum Robinson. Looked the most dangerous, and likely to score, before he finally delivered.
David Webb 7.