But boss quickly turns attentions to Cardiff (FREE VIDEO)
PEPE Mel insisted a soft penalty cost his men the three points in today’s 2-0 defeat at Hull – but the Baggies boss has quickly turned his attentions to next Saturday’s crucial home clash with Cardiff (ko 3pm).
Referee Chris Foy pointed to the spot after Shane Long went down very easily under Craig Dawson’s challenge on the half-hour mark at the KC Stadium.
Liam Rosenior converted the rebound after Nikica Jelavic saw his effort saved to give the hosts a 32nd-minute lead, which Long doubled six minutes later.
But Mel felt his men should also have had a penalty in the 71st minute when James Morrison was tumbled by Jake Livermore.
Mel said: “I think their penalty was a bad decision by the referee.
“In the second-half we had the same situation when Morrison was fouled and the referee does not whistle - that was a penalty.
“But we continue because every week in the Premier League the table changes.”
The defeat leaves the Baggies 16th and three points above the drop zone after 30 games, with the second-from-bottom Bluebirds, who have played a game more, their next opposition.
“In my head I always think to win,” added Mel.
“Today it was not possible but Fulham, Cardiff and Sunderland all lost.
“The next game is a big one for us.
“There are currently four teams beneath us so of course I think we can still stay up.”