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'Twas
a warm Sunday afternoon in the Black Country.
The scene was set.
14:00, 21st April 2002
The Hawthorns, Halfords Lane, West Bromwich.
Nationwide League Division One - West Bromwich Albion versus Crystal
Palace.
A victory for the Baggies would mean Premiership football next season,
but if the Dingles could better our result in their game at Hillsborough,
it would see them secure the second spot.
Before the day was through there would be much wailing and gnashing
of teeth! |
| 14.01
- With just a minute gone, the news filters through that Wolves
are 1-0 up at Hillsborough. The nerves begin to jangle at the Hawthorns.
|
| 14.03
- Player of the Year Russell Hoult tips a Danny Granville shot round
the post as the South Londoners exert some early pressure. The tension
mounts. |
14.15
- An Igor Balis free kick breaks to "Big Dave" on the right side
of the six yard box. He stabs it towards the Palace net!
1-0 TO THE ALBION!!!! |
|
"Boing,
Boing!"
The cry echoes round all four sides of the packed stadium. The tension
is eased slightly, the hip flask is passed around row BB in the
East Stand.
The Baggies are firmly in control. |
| 14.44
- Thousands of portable radios report that Wednesday have equalised!
Suddenly, the nirvana of Premiership football seems very close,
and the half time break is upon us. |
| 15:03
- The noise does not abate as the second half kicks off.
|
15:12
- Albion are awarded a free kick twenty yards from goal. Neil Clement
steps up. He's scored six free kicks already this season. He fires
it over the wall. It bounces just in front of Kolinko and he can
only parry it. Bob Taylor pounces!
IT'S 2-0!!! |
|
Celebrations
are still in full swing when we hear that Wednesday have taken the
lead at Hillsborough!
It's all very very close. Premiership football is coming to the Hawthorns
at last!
There's no sign of the collapse suffered against Bolton in the play-offs
last season as Albion cruise the last half an hour
News of a Wolves equaliser is ignored.
All the wailing and gnashing of teeth is at Hillsborough and Molineux
- shame, eh? |
| 15:55
- The final whistle blows! |
|
There's
some people on the pitch, they think it's all over!
IT IS NOW! |
|
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