Wolves have it Lage, Albion turn to Ismael – all change for the Black Country’s big boys
Tony Matthews looks at successful seasons for the Black Country’s football clubs
Part Two
IN the FA Cup competition, Albion went out in round three, beaten on penalties by Blackpool (after a 2-2 draw).
Wolves reached round five after 1-0 wins over Crystal Palace and Chorley but were then eliminated by Southampton 2-0 at Molineux.
Walsall, meanwhile, fell at the first fence, beaten 2-1 at home by Bristol Rovers.
In the Carabao-sponsored League Cup, Albion went out to Brentford 5-4 on penalties in round three after earlier defeating Harrogate Town 3-0; Wolves went out in round 2 beaten by Stoke City 1-0 at Molinuex, while Walsall were knocked out in the opening round, losing 4-2 on penalties against Sheffield Wednesday after a 0-0 draw.
Both Albion’s and Wolves’ U21 teams and Walsall’s first XI all entered the Papa John Trophy.
The Baggies failed to get out of Group E, beating Swindon Town 3-2 but then losing 3-0 at Forest Green Rovers, and by 4-0 at Exeter.
Wolves, based in Group F, lost 4-0 at Oldham before beating Bradford City 5-3 on penalties (after a 1-1 draw) and also knocking over Doncaster Rovers 2-1, but then they failed to make headway in the second round, losing 2-1 away at Port Vale.
Playing in Group D, the Saddlers beat Bristol Rovers 4-2 on penalties (after a 2-2 draw) but they lost another spot-kick shoot-out, this time against Chelsea U21s (5-3 after a 1-1 stalemate) but then succumbed to a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Oxford United, bowing out fighting as always.
Facts: During the course of the League season, Albion had Pereira and defender Ajayi sent-off, Joao Moutinho saw red for Wolves while Alfie Bates, Danny Guthrie, Liam Kinsella and Hayden White all took early baths for Walsall.
In June 2021, Valerien Ismael was appointed Albion manager, Bruno Lage took over the hot seat at Molineux while a month or so earlier, Matt Taylor had taken over as boss of Walsall.