WBA v PNE - Sat 18 Oct 2025 match thread

[stargazer_1962]

Early I know but I'm going to the match tomorrow so thought I'd bring the discussion back around to football.
Anyone else attending tomorrow.

[baggieal]

Let?s hope for a team selection with the clear intent to win!

[Omegstrat6]

Let?s hope for a team selection with the clear intent to win!

That would be nice! After the dreadful and incoherent performance they put in last time they need to make amends. I'm hoping that there might be something to AJ's "bad day at the office" comment and they come out refreshed and fighting-though it is the Albion of course...

[Bombers right foot]

Dike on the bench who apparently hasn?t played any minutes to get match fit, Bostock left out, complete joke, Campbell still at right back, passes backwards more times than Furlong did and that takes some doing, let?s see how Mason does today with his subs, he might take a leaf out of Maresca?s book, Chelsea awful first half v Forest so 3 subs at half time, 2 goals scored in the first 7 mins of the second half, no doubt Mason will react after 75 mins

[baggieal]

Dike on the bench who apparently hasn?t played any minutes to get match fit, Bostock left out, complete joke, Campbell still at right back, passes backwards more times than Furlong did and that takes some doing, let?s see how Mason does today with his subs, he might take a leaf out of Maresca?s book, Chelsea awful first half v Forest so 3 subs at half time, 2 goals scored in the first 7 mins of the second half, no doubt Mason will react after 75 mins

Campbell should not be in the side when you have a natural in this position on the bench. Styles not good enough and for me Bostock looks more promising than Fellows did and not even a sub!! So much for talented young players!

[Omegstrat6]

Tbh, I'm less concerned with Campbell remaining at RB than I am with Styles reverting to LB. Campbell is certainly too hesitant in his forward play but as a more natural CB, he is decent defensively. Gilchrist began his career playing either in midfield or on the right wing and whilst I don't doubt that he may be better than Campbell going forward something is preventing Mason from starting him at RB which is likely to be his defensive qualities. Replacing Styles with Taylor at LB on the other hand did improve our defense so am a bit perplexed why Styles is back at LB and Taylor on the Bench.

Playing Price behind Maja rather than in a wider position will probably suit him better but he is one player who definitely needs to improve on his recent form otherwise I would rather have Heggabo there. Hopefully young Collyer can justify his start today and the hype that Man Utd fans have for him.

Am a bit surprised that Olly Bostock isn't on the bench today given our lack of attacking intent lately but pleased to see Grant back. No great goal scorer of course but I think we have missed his energy and work ethic at times.

[Omegstrat6]

Mikey! 1-0 COYB!
Sounds like some sloppy play this afternoon but also far more intent with MJ again being at the heart of a lot of it and a deserved goal for him. Good time to score too.

[SwedishBaggie]

1-0 Johnston!

COYB!!!

[baggieal]

Great goal and who predicted Mikey to get the first goal? 😭😭😭

[SwedishBaggie]

2-0, Price!

COYB!!!

[Omegstrat6]

Need to get that second goal but at least the intent is still there so far this half. AJ commenting that we are still not moving the ball quickly enough though? Shame about Collyer going off as he sounded like he was much improved this game but hopefully nothing too serious.

Now Price 2-0! Yes!! That should settle his confidence a bit after some recent underwhelming performances. BTW, Mowatt sounds like he is playing well today. Not over yet with 25 to go and a few changes coming from PNE as well as possibly ourselves? Be good to get a third as Heggabo replaces Maja because PNE are certainly not going to stop trying to get something from this.

[Omegstrat6]

Poor defending has got PNE back into this and now Mason making changes with Mikey, Price and Junior off to try and shore the defense up and see the game out. Could be a nervy last few mins!

[SwedishBaggie]

We can?t make it easy, can we!?

[baggieal]

Need to get that second goal but at least the intent is still there so far this half. AJ commenting that we are still not moving the ball quickly enough though? Shame about Collyer going off as he sounded like he was much improved this game but hopefully nothing too serious.

Now Price 2-0! Yes!! That should settle his confidence a bit after some recent underwhelming performances. BTW, Mowatt sounds like he is playing well today. Not over yet with 25 to go and a few changes coming from PNE as well as possibly ourselves? Be good to get a third as Heggabo replaces Maja because PNE are certainly not going to stop trying to get something from this.

Agree Omeg the intent was there today so happy for that and Mowatt had a decent game. Very true - not moving the ball quick enough as the opposition read our moves and get into shape!

[Omegstrat6]

2-1 and a great win that takes us up to 4th! Also proves what we all already know which is that a one goal lead is never enough!

Only able to listen to the game on Albion radio so difficult to judge but, despite some sloppy play, it sounded a much improved performance with far more attacking intent shown. Also sounded like a decent team performance with the likes of Campbell, Mowatt and Styles all playing their part. Id be interested to hear from those who were able to watch the match as to their thoughts