And striker talks through his first goal of the season
SHANE Long believes his team-mates should take the positives from today’s dramatic 2-2 draw at Chelsea.
The Ireland international headed the Baggies level at Stamford Bridge – before Stephane Sessegnon gave the visitors the lead – but the hosts netted a stoppage-time penalty to deny Steve Clarke’s men all three points.
And Long insists Albion should be proud of their performance – having come so close to their first league victory at Chelsea in over 35 years.
“We’re disappointed but we can hold our heads high,” said Long.
“We did a good job today.
“We defended really well as a team.
“We sat in and frustrated them at times.
“On the counter-attack I thought we caused them all sorts of problems.
“We had a good chance to go 3-1 up when they were trying to get the equaliser.
“If you come away from Chelsea with nearly three points in your hand, with a minute to go, it’s always a good performance.”
And the 26-year-old striker, who scored his third Albion goal against Chelsea, says there was only one thing on his mind as he rose to head the ball home.
“I made a run across the front post in case the corner was hit short,” added Long.
“Gareth McAuley had a great header and to be fair it was a great save.
“It went straight up in the air and I just attacked it.
“I’m not too sure if I hit anyone on the way through."
“There was only one thing on my mind and that was the ball hitting the back of the net.”