Recently by Chris Lepkowski

THERE are some things which defy logic or explanation.

Why are weather forecasts always wrong? Chicken or Egg? Clearly a conspiracy is at work.

Davina McCall? Again, who knows. Wasps, why?

So you can't possibly begin to explain why Albion have yet to score a goal despite controlling large periods of all three games they've played in.

ALBION suffered a humbling defeat at the hands of Hartlepool United in the Carling Cup last night.

What had meant to be a confidence-boosting exercise ahead of Saturday's Premier League reunion with Gary Megson at the Reebok Stadium turned into a nightmare at Victoria Park as Albion were ambushed by a hard-working League One outfit.

Robert Koren scored a superb equaliser in the 87th minute to take the game into extra-time.

But then the Baggies fell apart, conceding two goals in the five minutes approaching the break.

BORJA Valero could make his Albion debut in tonight's Carling Cup clash at Hartlepool - as Albion continue their search for new firepower.

Tony Mowbray wants to play his new £4.7million midfielder Borja in the game at Victoria Park, but will not know until later today whether that is possible.

Albion applied for international clearance before the weekend, following Borja's arrival last week, but the Bank Holiday weekend has delayed matters.

The Baggies have also not given up of signing Borja's ex-Real Mallorca team-mate Oscar Trejo.

TONY Mowbray has paid tribute to Dean Kiely's professionalism following Scott Carson's elevation into Albion's first-team.

The England keeper played in goal for Albion in last Saturday's game at Arsenal, forcing Dean Kiely on to the subs' bench.

Kiely, aged 37, had been the club's undisputed No.1 for the last 18 months, but will play second fiddle to Carson for the forseeable future.

Baggies boss Mowbray admitted Kiely had responded well to the blow of losing his first-team place.

"It was a close call," said Mowbray, regarding his decision to opt for Carson.

TONY Mowbray has predicted a bright future for Leon Barnett after the young defender came through his first Premier League game with 'flying colours'.

The 22-year-old grew in confidence during the 1-0 defeat at Arsenal, enjoying the better of his exchanges with Emmanuel Adebayor.

Mowbray remains on the look-out for a new centre-half but feels Barnett is clearly capable of stepping up to the top flight and maintaining his early promising form,

"I thought Leon was a big positive," said Mowbray.