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Gillingham
v West Bromwich Albion
Priestfield Stadium,
Gillingham. 4th October 2003, 3.00pm. |
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I didn't get to see what was evidently a comfortable victory for
the Baggies lifting them back to the top of the league, but here
is a match report by ALEX TILSLEY.
Gillingham's boss Andy Hessenthaler was right with his pre match
prediction that the Baggies were "the strongest side in the division",
as another comprehensive performance took them back to the top of
league.
Gillingham impressed early on, but after the first 20 minutes, they
were second best for the rest of the afternoon. Forest and Leeds
target, Marlon King, firstly fired wide of Russell Hoult's left
hand post. Shortly after Mama Sidibe had two half chances, but failed
to make any impact with either effort.
The early openings from the Kent side showed why they had beaten
promotion rivals, West Ham, just weeks earlier. However this only
seemed to get Albion going, as headed by the impressive Gregan,
they took control of the middle of the park.
With two goals in two games, Dobie had a shot deflected wide, and
shortly after Gaardsoe powered a header straight at the keeper.
In the 26th minute, DOBIE, who had been a constant threat to the
on loan Brown, latched onto an excellent long ball from Gilchrist.
He got in-between Chris Hope and goalkeeper Jason Brown to slot
the ball into the corner of the net from 20 yards. This was a perfect
way to celebrate his 25th birthday next Friday with his third goal
in three games, and leaving the Scottish striker on a confident
streak.
Just three minutes later Cox took down Dobie, with the referee awarding
a debatable free kick 25 yards from goal. Neil CLEMENT stepped up
and struck a delightful left footed shot into the top corner of
Brown's goal to give the Baggies a 2-0 lead.
This sent the lucky 1,100 Albion faithful into boinging action for
the second time of the afternoon. However it didn't feel the safest
on the temporary, golf course like, stand!!
For once Albion kept their lead safe up until half time, and then
the second half saw them look happy to stay in control. Gillingham
put in a lot of effort and even tried changing their formation.
However the Gills only chance of note came when Cox headed wide
of the goal. Not even ex Albion loanee Trevor Benjamin could make
an impact as the impressive trio of Berthe, Gaardsoe and Gilchrist
shut up shop.
Both Joost Volmer and Lee Hughes got useful run outs towards the
end of the game on their way back to full fitness after injuries.
After the full time whistle Megson described this victory as the
"most comfortable of the season". It is unlikely to be like this
in the next match, as Albion renew the rivalry between themselves
and Sheffield United / Neil Warnock, in the game of the first division
season. Lets all hope Albion are still sitting pretty at the top
of the league after this battle!!
RESULT - GILLINGHAM 0 WEST BROMWICH
ALBION 2
Marks
Hoult - 7 - Yet another clean sheet, can't recall a save England's
number 1 had to make.
Berthe - 7 - Looked like he's been in this defence for years, looks
very comfortable on the ball.
Gaardsoe - 8 - Kept the highly rated King quiet with excellent defensive
play.
Gilchrist - 7 - Great pass for Dobie's goal, always gave 100%.
Haas - 7 - Becoming more consistent, defended well & made some effective
runs down the wing.
Gregan - 7 - His best game of the season so far, got involved &
distributed the ball well.
Johnson - 6 - Bursts of energy but often looked lazy.
O'Connor - 7 - Always busy, never gave the Gills midfield time to
settle.
Clement - 8 - More competition has improved his performances, excellent
free kick.
Hulse - 7 - Looked sharp, held the ball up well & never stopped
running.
Dobie - 8 - MOM. Great finish for his third goal in three games,
confidence is back.
Hughes - 6 - Not given enough time to impress, but looked lively.
Volmer - 7 - Solid at the back in first run out after injury.
The Manager - 7 - Led the team back to the top of the league, although
I couldn't understand his thinking of leaving Sakiri out, but hey
3 points!!
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Gillingham
(4-4-2):
J Brown; W Brown, Hope, Cox, Nosworthy; Perpetuini (T Johnson 78),
Hessenthaler, Smith, Spiller; Sidibe (Benjamin 59), King. Subs not
used: Bossu (GK), Hills, Ashby. |
West
Bromwich Albion (3-5-2):
Hoult; Berthe, Gaardsoe, Gilchrist (Volmer 69); Haas, O'Connor,
Gregan, Johnson, Clement; Dobie, Hulse (Hughes 75). Subs not used:
Murphy (GK), Wallwork, J Chambers.
|
Scoring: Dobie (26),
1-0, Clement (29) 2-0.
Bookings: Gillingham - T Johnson (foul 89).
Referee: D Crick (Surrey)
Attendance: 8,883. |
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