[Ska'dForLife-WBA]

Tony Godden and Ally Robertson keep Albion's sheet clean at St James's Park; 10th September 1977

In many ways, the most striking thing about Albion's cracking comeback against Liverpool last Saturday was how downhearted and disconsolate the players seemed in their post-match interviews, all because they didn't go on and get the third goal which would have given us all the points and a slender hope of survival. The likes of Phillips, Rondon and Livermore seem rejuvenated under Big Dave's guidance, and though it's tempting to ask why exactly they couldn't have shown the same professionalism six - or even three - months ago, I regard it as better late than never.

How we finish the season may well have a bearing on how things go down in the Champ next year, and as we visit Tyneside this weekend, we have to be looking to emulate the Geordies' exploits in the second-tier rather than their more wayward neighbours. Newcastle have reached forty points for the season, and there's every chance they may be on the beach for this one; if we can show the same drive and determination we have for the last few weeks, there should be something for us in this.