Albion boss praises crowd
Albion boss Tony Mowbray hailed the Hawthorns crowd for playing their part in his side's dramatic comeback.
Albion boss Tony Mowbray hailed the Hawthorns crowd for playing their part in his side's dramatic comeback.
The Baggies fans roared their team on in the second half and they earned thanks from Mowbray after the home side rescued a late point.
"I said in my programme notes how much we need the supporters," said Mowbray.
"I have to say a big 'thank you' to them.
"They created a fantastic atmosphere to help dig it out for us.
"Their vocal backing helped drive the team on and that backing comes from the belief they have that this team can score goals.
"It was a great game.
"You've got to give Cardiff lots of credit for being a good football team.
"They're having a good season after a difficult start and I'm sure if they continue to play like that they'll be fine.
"Great credit must go to our players for the way they went after the game.
"There are few disappointed people in our dressing room because we didn't win the game, which is quite a statement from being 2-0 and 3-1 down.
"The opportunities were there late on for us to win the game.
"Zoltan Gera had a back-post header straight at the keeper and a volley, which flashed across the face of goal.
"If you enjoy football, it was a great spectacle."
And Mowbray was full of praise for his team's energy levels just four days after they were forced into FA Cup extra-time at home against Charlton.
"It was a fabulous effort to muster such a drive in the second half of the game," said Mowbray.
"We needed the intensity because Cardiff are as good a passing side as any in the division and they showed that at times.
"They showed some clinical finishing and have good footballers.
"When we found the intensity we showed what a quality team we can be on our day. It wasn't evident that we were tired from Tuesday watching the way we attacked the game in the second half.
"We tapped into all our resources.
"If we'd have been hanging on at the end I'd have probably said Tuesday took it's toll.
"But there was only one side going to win the match and that's a great credit to drive, desire and determination of the team.
"That could be an important point for us."
Mowbray admitted his side's defending still needs lots of work after they were again sliced open on the break at will by an energetic Cardiff side. But he refused to dwell on the negatives.
"There are lessons to be learned on the goals we conceded," he said.
"But it's not the day to criticise because it was such a great game.
"You can analyse every goal that goes in against you and pick faults but let's look at the positives of some great chances and great football. It was a good advert for the division."
And Mowbray explained the absence from the matchday squad of Bostjan Cesar in favour of Jared Hodgkiss.
"Bostjan's been unwell all week and hasn't had enough training to get a place on the bench," said Mowbray. "We opted for Jared Hodgkiss and let's hope Bostjan gets a good week's training behind him this week."
