Harty on Albion and the Rugby World Cup

Then, in seven days’ time, the Albion will have contested for six more Championship points, at home to Leeds and Crystal Palace – something which the majority of Albion fans see as far more important.

It would have been extremely unlikely for Gus Poyet’s side to have gone the entire season undefeated so, while the defeat at Leicester on Saturday was disappointing, it was, in some ways, inevitable.

With the unbeaten tag gone, the Albion can get back to business. With club history being made off the field, with, for the first time in 110 years, three successive home games totally sold out, the players can do their stuff on the pitch.

Games against Leeds always have an edge, but it’s next Tuesday’s match against Palace that really gets the juices going.

I was there at Selhurst Park in 2002 when we lost 5-0 and were taunted on the terraces and the Tannoy. Like thousands of Albion fans, I’ve waited for next Tuesday – a full house in our £90 million stadium. As they say, revenge is a dish best served cold!

l Despite the strange kick-off times, the rugby World Cup certainly hasn’t disappointed, with action and incident both on and off the field.

For the top bloke that he probably is, perhaps Mike Tindall, when recently walking down the aisle with his new bride, and seeing her Majesty the Queen sitting on her side of the church, should have thought “perhaps my life is going to change slightly”.

Everyone likes a night out but when Princess Anne is your mother-in-law, the media spotlight is a little bit brighter – perhaps he should have thought about that.

l Thanks to everyone who turned up in their numbers on Monday night to support Worthing under-18s at Woodside Road in their FA Youth Cup 1-0 victory against Shoreham.

It was especially good to see a large contingent from Worthing Dynamos, who the Rebels have strong links with. And, who knows, with a number of ex-Dynamos in the starting line-up on Monday, how many of those young boys watching could end up playing in the same competition in years to come?

As for the game, it was a good, competitive contest. All credit to Shoreham, who came and really gave it a go. To be honest, the fact that Worthing goalkeeper Jack Fagan was man of the match speaks volumes.

The next round is on Monday week, October 3, when Worthing entertain Leatherhead, a team with huge FA Cup pedigree, both in the main and the youth competitions.

As usual, it’s a 7.45pm kick-off and it would be great to see another large crowd at Woodside.

It would also be nice to see the name of a local company across the shirts of the under-18s.

Due to FA Regulations, the club’s main sponsors, Hartleys, is alcohol related, so they can’t appear on shirts of players below the age of 18. So, if anyone is interested, please get in touch with either myself or Chris White at the club.