Darnell’s pointer as Baggies head for final Furlong
GOALSCORING full-back Darnell Furlong hailed a “massive” comeback point against promotion rivals Hull but admitted some annoyance at Albion not being able to take all three at the MKM Stadium.
Talented Liverpool loanee Fabio Carvalho gave the Tigers the lead from a well-worked short corner but Furlong saved the day with a clever header from a set-piece in the first half of Saturday’s lunchtime humdinger.
Both sides struck the woodwork but in the end a point was probably a fair reflection of the two teams’ efforts in a season in which they could still meet again in the Championship play-offs.
It backed up Albion’s big midweek win at Plymouth in what was their game in hand.
“It’s a massive point. We definitely came for three and we’re a bit annoyed we didn’t get all three, but I think a draw is probably a fair result when you look back on the game,’’ admitted Furlong.
“Both teams had spells in the game when they were on top. We feel like it’s a very important point for us. It’s pleasing to have taken four points from the last six on offer on our travels. We’ve put some great performances together and got the results we needed.
“The guys here – like the physios, the fitness guys and all the backroom staff – did an amazing job in getting us ready and feeling fresh for the Hull game after such a long trip to Plymouth.”
Talking about his goal, Furlong added: “I meant to put my header towards the goal, that’s all I can say.
“It took a good bounce, I suppose. Maybe if I had caught it cleanly then it might have gone straight into the goalkeeper’s arms.
“It was a good time to score, just before half-time. We managed to keep hold of the result until the end. It’s really nice to be on the scoresheet again. You never know when goals are coming as a defender. Hopefully there’s a few more to come.
“It’s great to have the fans with us supporting us, both home and away. It’s important they are behind us because it really helps us. It was really nice to score in front of them and then go and celebrate with them.”
A win for Hull would have seen them leapfrog West Brom but the point leaves them still one behind in sixth with Albion fifth, four points clear of seventh-placed Norwich, who drew at Blackburn on Saturday. Next up on Friday night is Coventry, in ninth, who sit five points back.