Ben takes spot-light
RESERVE goalkeeper Ben Wilson saved a controversial last-minute penalty but couldn’t keep Coventry in the play-off race.
Referee Stephen Martin stunned Sky Blues boss Mark Robins when he ruled Michael Rose had upended substitute Callum Robinson.
But Wilson, in only his fourth league game this season, dived to his right and got to Karlan Grant’s weak spot-kick.
“It was no way on this planet a penalty,” roared Robins. “But the ref couldn’t wait to give it. The save was out of this world, it was top drawer.
“Not only that, Wilson’s general game was good. We were good value for a point and could have nicked something with a bit more belief.”
Simon Moore is Coventry’s No. 1 but Robins decided to give him a break.
“He maybe needed to come out 10 games ago for a mental breather,” said Robins.”
The Sky Blues have two games left but cannot crown a terrific season with a play-off place.
“We have progressed in our second season in the Championship and being fourth early on was great,” added Robins. “But it’s being fourth now that you want.”
Coventry aren’t ready for the Premier League and neither are West Brom.
Boss Steve Bruce has a lot of sorting out to do with a squad that was expected to bounce straight back to the top flight.
He has found the job hard since taking over in February, with only four wins and four draws from his 14 games.
“That pen? It looked soft,” admitted Bruce. “But he missed it anyway. We’ve already started looking at next season and there needs to be some new faces here.”
Grant’s poor penalty, plus the good save Wilson made from Matt Clarke in the first half, were as dangerous as the Baggies got.
WEST BROM: Button 6; Ajayi 6, O’Shea 6, Clarke 8; Reach 8, Livermore 7, Molumby 6 (Diangana 79), Townsend 6 (Robinson 90); Gardner-Hickman 6 (Phillips 72, 5); Grant 5, Carroll 5.
Subs not used: Palmer, Bartley, Kipre, Taylor.
COVENTRY CITY: Wilson 6; Rose 6, Hyam 6, McFadzean 7; Kane 6, Allen 6, Sheaf 6, Hamer 6 (Kelly 79), Maatsen 7; O’Hare 6 (Waghorn 62, 5); Gyokeres 7.
Subs not used: Moore, Clarke-Salter, Shipley, Bidwell, Eccles.
MAN OF THE MATCH: Matt Clarke. Bald head, bold defender. Almost won the game for the Baggies.
REFEREE: Stephen Martin 8.