Baggies comfortabe winners at Ninian Park

Well we finally got to see Robert Earnshaw back at Ninian Park. He was given a standing ovation before and ater the game and we can't thank him enough for his efforts while playing for the City. Last season I was a keen follower of his progress at West Brom but seeing him yesterday hit it home to me that he's their player now not ours.

For me yesterday brought closure on the matter. Of course I'll still look out for his goals but I'm at peace now. Good luck Earnie.

Another City old boy, Junichi Inamoto, also played.

It was a second home defeat in pre season for City. Of course of you are going to lose games these are the ones to lose. The important matches start next Saturday at Ipswich. Within 7 days we have 9 points to play for. They are the games that matter.

West Brom's first goal came early in the first half. A superb tackle by Chris Barker won possession for City and Toni Koskela, his back pass though was poor and the unexpecting Rhys Weston was beaten by Kanu who danced around Warner to score with ease.

Cuty rarely troubled upfront with the Baggie's defenders on top. Darren Purse did head one cross close to goal but there was little cheer from an attacking point of view for City.

The second half was fractured by many substitutions. Ferretti hit a super left foot shot which was well saved while at the other end Earnie hit the bar with a free kick. WBA had a goal disallowed when a free kick went in directly, the refree had indicated it was in-direct.

The second goal came from a set piece, a ball into the box was flicked on and Gaardsoe knocked in from close range. Neil Alexnader (an early second half sub for Warner) was the busiest keepr making some good saves.

The crowd was a touch over 8,000. Darren Purse was awarded City Man of the Match and I agreed with that. I thought he was a class player and will do well for City.

Earnie ready for kick off Goalmouth action Ardley takes a City corner Chris Barker with a throw in Inamoto and Mulryne