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West
Bromwich Albion v Cardiff City
The Hawthorns,
West Bromwich. 14th February 2004, 1.00pm. |
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The result was crucial
and the performance was encouraging. The debacle at Preston is a
distant memory, although one I hope will not be forgotten quickly
- it can't happen again this season. I was particularly pleased
that Hughesie got the winner after all the stick he was getting
from the Cardiff fans.
There were two changes to the side that started at Preston, both
significant. Joe Murphy made his first senior appearance at the
Hawthorns in place of the injured Hoult, and Gregan dropped to the
bench for the first time this season to make room for Koumas. Thomas
Gaardsoe received the captain's armband for the first time.
It was a shaky start for the Baggies as Cardiff almost scored inside
a minute. Bernt Haas, who looked uncomfortable all game, was left
in the wake of Parry who crossed for Earnshaw. He looked certain
to score but Murphy pulled off an excellent save to keep the score
level.
Earnshaw tested Murphy again before Albion's first effort, a long
range shot from Koumas that was saved by Cardiff 'keeper Margetson.
It was an entertaining game as it was clear that Cardiff had not
come for a point like most visitors to the Hawthorns these days.
Murphy was in action again to palm the ball away from Langley as
he was about to pull the trigger.
Albion were playing the ball around well although Clement and Haas
both looked uncomfortable in possession as Cardiff harried well.
Clement was backed up well by Robinson who was having one of his
best games for the Baggies, but on the right side, Koumas was not
helping Haas with his defensive duties leaving the Swiss international
exposed on many occasions. Hughes and Horsfield were working tirelessly
up front causing problems for the Cardiff back line, but were lacking
in support from the midfield.
The best chance so far for the Baggies fell to Clement when Hughes
ran down the right channel and put across an excellent cross. Clement
met it well with his head but could only direct the ball straight
at Margetson.
Minutes later, the under-par left-back-cum-midfielder tested Margetson
again with a long shot that the 'keeper parried but re-gathered
before Horsfield could pounce.
Gaardsoe was having an excellent game at the back and he was called
into action to make an important tackle on Kavanagh inside the box.
Kinsella tested the Cardiff 'keeper as the chances flowed, and although
Horsfield found the net from the resulting corner, it was ruled
out for a foul by Darren Moore.
The lack of midfield support was highlighted when Hughes and Clement
combined to set up Horsfield - his header was spilled by Margetson
but none of the Albion midfield were within twenty yards to take
advantage.
Koumas, who didn't look 100% fit to me, almost broke the deadlock
from a free-kick he won himself when he was fouled when dribbling
across the front of the penalty area. The free-kick was central
and both he and Clement lined up, but it was Koumas who fired the
ball inches wide of the post with Margetson rooted to the spot.
After the break, Albion came out like a steam train and battered
the Cardiff goal. However, the first chance was of Cardiff's own
making when Margetson swung and missed a simple back pass from Gabbidon,
but fortunately for him the ball went wide of the post.
The chances flowed for the Albion. Johnson was set up well by Horsfield
but fired his shot wide from ten yards before Gabbidon gifted the
ball to Horsfield only to see the former Wigan man slip before his
could take advantage.
On 55 minutes, Koumas put a great free-kick into the box from wide
on the left, and CLEMENT met it with a firm header that beat Margetson
to give Albion the lead.
Murphy got lucky when he came storming out of his area to intercept
a long ball that had been missed by Moore. The ball fell to Parry
but his shot went wide of the goal.
Albion seemed to have taken their foot of the gas and they allowed
Cardiff back into the game. Langley had a great chance but could
only head straight at Murphy.
Koumas, who hadn't looked fit all game, finally gave way to Gregan
on 73 minutes.
Six minutes later, an Innocuous challenge by Moore resulted in a
free-kick wide on the left. Kavanagh floated the ball into the box
and although it was difficult to say whether anyone got a touch,
substitute Alan LEE was credited with the goal as the ball found
it's way into the far corner.
Earnshaw had the ball in the net five minutes later but the effort
was ruled out for a clear off side.
Cue Albion's latest super-sub. Lloyd Dyer came on to replace Kinsella
on 84 minutes and he immediately won a corner. Clement put the ball
across and a misdirected header from Moore saw the ball find its
was back to Clement. He fed Dyer and the youngster's looping cross
was headed goalwards by Gaardsoe only for Lee HUGHES to poke the
ball over the line at the far post.
Gregan dropped into defence to make a back five for the remaining
minutes as Albion held out for the win.
Albion certainly deserved the win with a committed performance combined
with passages of excellent football. Murphy, Johnson, Robinson,
Hughes and Horsfield were all excellent but the new captain Gaardsoe
was outstanding once more. It was a big win given the other results
but the next month is huge as we play three of the top five.
RESULT - WEST BROMWICH ALBION 2 CARDIFF
CITY 1
Marks
Murphy - 7 - Some good saves, one or two poor decisions but always
positive.
Haas - 5 - Looked uncomfortable.
Gaardsoe - 9 - MOM. Outstanding as the new captain.
Moore - 6 - Still to regain his form of last season.
Robinson - 8 - Excellent performance; looks like an excellent 'proper'
full back.
Koumas - 6 - Some good moments, but is wasted as a right winger.
Didn't look 100% fit.
Johnson - 8 - Excellent performance.
Kinsella - 8 - Easily his best game in an Albion shirt.
Clement - 6 - Still doesn't look like a left winger to me, good
goal though.
Horsfield - 8 - Another excellent performance.
Hughes - 8 - The abuse he received from the away fans simply spurred
him on to another great game.
Gregan - 7 - Dropped for the first time, looked good when he came
on.
Dyer - 7 - Great impact once again.
Chambers - 6 - Had little time to make an impact.
The Manager - 7 - Still not sure about Clement and Koumas should
play more centrally. Glad to see 4-4-2 again, good substitutions.
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West
Bromwich Albion (4-4-2):
Murphy; Haas, Gaardsoe, Moore, Robinson; Koumas (Gregan 73), Johnson,
Kinsella (Dyer 84), Clement; Hughes (J Chambers 90+1), Horsfield.
Subs not used: Pressman (GK), Skoubo.
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Cardiff
City (4-4-2):
Margetson; Weston, Gabbidon, Vidmar, Barker; Langley (Lee 75), Boland
(Robinson 78), Kavanagh, Parry; Earnshaw, Thorne (Campbell 87).
Subs not used: Alexander (GK), Prior.
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Scoring: Clement (55)
1-0, Lee (79) 1-1, Hughes (85) 2-1.
Bookings: West Bromwich Albion - Johnson (foul 83). Cardiff City
- Kavanagh (foul 39).
Referee: L Mason (Lancashire).
Attendance: 25,196. |
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