Talking points from The Hawthorns for West Brom as they prepare for their FA fourth-round matchup with Aldershot Town
West Bromwich Albion easily advanced to the FA Cup’s fourth round on Sunday at The Hawthorns thanks to a 4-1 victory over National League team Aldershot Town at home. Before the break, a significantly altered Albion team swept to a 3-0 lead in less than thirty minutes thanks to goals from Nathaniel Chalobah, Jovan Malcolm, and the returning Daryl Dike in front of the Brummie Road End.
Although the second half was undoubtedly more low-key, they did add a fourth late on through the excellent Tom Fellows before Oliver Bray gave the visiting Shots something to cheer about in stoppage time. Carlos Corberan used that buffer as an opportunity to blood a host of youngsters. Of the eleven academy products in the squad, seven finished the game and five made their debuts.
These are The Hawthorns’ talking points from a day in which the Baggies were able to draw a lot of conclusions from the draw and will now concentrate their energies going forward on the championship.
Daryl gives
When Dike went to bed on Saturday night, he would have been dreaming of two things: a visit to The Hawthorns’ field and, should the chance arise, a goal. For a player who hadn’t kicked a competitive ball in almost nine months, Dike was impressive enough throughout the first half. He made runs, held the ball up like a traditional center forward, and then struck the ball into the net when it deflected off Stuart O’Keefe’s head.
His response made sense and was enjoyable to watch. It was well worth the eight months of intense recuperation and rehabilitation to rehabilitate oneself to the point where you could handle even 45 minutes of work. It made little difference that it was a cup match between non-league teams at a stadium that was only partially full. What matters more is what happens next.
Without a doubt, this gives Dike a boost. He will still need to be eased into the game, and his minutes will need to be controlled, but it was clear how much his return meant to Corberan, who now has a more than capable weapon to lead the line and another option in his arsenal. Brandon Thomas-Asante should also gain from the lighter load.
The academy excels.
Eleven items from the academy. Five players made their debuts. Seven players from the beginning lineup and five from the starting lineup departed the field at the end. What a day for the academy, Rich Stevens, Rich Beale, and all the personnel who help young kids grow and develop till they reach a level where Corberan may evaluate them and select them whenever he pleases.
We are well aware of Caleb Taylor, Josh Griffiths, Malcolm, and Fellows, of course, but many people could have been excused for not knowing anything about Fenton Heard when the team was revealed at 1 p.m. Corberan has developed a strong affection for the deft playmaker, who immediately seemed at home on the Hawthorns field. Instead of being timid, the player was eager to receive the ball and make an impression.
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