“Breaking down barriers since 1978” was the message on the big screens in the seconds before kick-off, a nod to Laurie Cunningham, Brendon Batson and Cyrille Regis, a trio of West Bromwich Albion heroes credited with changing the face of the game.
At the end of this bitty playoff semi-final, West Brom were left wondering what might have been after failing to find a way past the Southampton goalkeeper Alex McCarthy, who ensured Friday’s second leg is finely poised.
