ALBION manager Jeff Wood last night defended his decision to haul off Albion's top scorer Richard Barker.

The 11-goal striker and supporters were bemused when Wood brought on Lawrence Davies in his place midway through the second half last night.

There was ironic applause from the terraces when it was announced later over the tannoy that Barker had been named Man Of The Match by sponsors FotoDirect.

Said Wood: "Lawrence is a young player and has shown good signs. It was just a case of trying to change things.

"I know the crowd were shouting for Richie Barker and it was not because he was playing particularly badly.

"Anyone could have come off, but you put players on in positions where you hope they are going to have an influence on the game."

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