Britt on double bubble
we finished tenth and should have finished eighth. There are a lot of good things to look back on and take positives.
“This result is sweeter because of our supporters not because of the supporters here.”
This was a contest between fourth and fifth in the Championship but the Pulis effect added another dimension to the clash.
Current head coach Darren Moore promotes a more attacking philosophy than Pulis, but look who scored three goals and won away yet again this season. Boro are the second-best travellers in the Championship for a reason.
Yesterday they made the most of West Brom sloppiness, George Saville opening the scoring against the run of play after Gareth Barry reacted too slowly to Sam Johnstone’s clearance.
But just before half-time Jay Rodriguez made it 15 for the season after
Rekeem Harper’s attempt fell to him, then Dwight Gayle also hit the 15 mark with a deflected effort to put the hosts 2-1 up.
Enter Assombalonga. He levelled with a low strike before his winner came after luckless Chris Brunt miscued a clearance with his first touch from the subs’ bench on his 400th appearance.
Pulis added: “I told Britt he should have got a hat-trick, which nearly killed him!
“I thought to get Britt on, as those spaces were there because they are open and play attractive football, and when he came on they got even bigger.”
West Brom had only lost once in 13 prior to this defeat and boss Moore said: “It is disappointing but it is how we respond here going forward.
“There are little bumps in the road.”