Pulis ‘disappointed’ after West Brom FA Cup draw

Scott Anderson
Pulis: Praised the West Brom away supporters

Pulis: Praised the West Brom away supporters

Tony Pulis says that he was “disappointed” after West Brom needed a last minute equaliser to salvage an FA Cup third-round replay against Bristol City. 

The Baggies are fortunate to still be in the competition after needing an injury time equaliser to snatch a 2-2 draw with Bristol City at The Hawthorns.

Saido Berahino came off the bench to give the Baggies a 1-0 lead, but West Brom were made to pay for missing a string of chances to kill the game off when goals from Jonathan Kodjia and Kieran Agard put the Championship side into a shock lead.

However, Steve Cotterill’s side were denied a famous victory in the 95th minute when West Brom midfielder James Morrison converted from close range to force a replay at Ashton Gate later this month.

Pulis claimed this week that his side are capable of challenging for trophies, but he admits that his team need to be a “level better” if they are to progress to the fourth round.

The 57-year-old said: “I thought we played really well between the boxes but in the final third our final cross, our final pass was lacking.

“Opportunities dropped for us but it was disappointing and we’ve got to be on a level better than that next time.

“But I don’t think you could fault the effort of the players and the commitment. I think (the comeback) showed great character again, although we’re disappointed with the two goals they scored.

“I thought Ben (Foster) was very unfortunate with the second, it’s a wonderful save, a fantastic save, and for the rebound to drop to their lad was disappointing.

“But we’re in the hat, we’ll have to go down to Bristol City and win down there. And we will need to be a little bit better than today.”

Foster made his first appearance since March last year after recovering from a serious knee injury.

The goalkeeper did not have much to do but he was worked in the 11th minute and looked as sharp as ever as he got down well to smother Joe Bryan’s curling effort from the edge of the area.

Pulis added: “I thought he was smashing. He didn’t have a lot to do but what he did do, he did very well.”