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West Bromwich Albion v Nottingham Forest
The Hawthorns, West Bromwich. 9th May 2004, 1.00pm.
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After two disappointing performances, we had hoped that the Baggies would sign off their promotion season in style, but it was not to be. A below-par first half performance was bettered after the break, but what should have been a day to remember left me feeling a little dissatisfied. It was tough on the Albion on the day as they didn't really deserve to lose, but thankfully they have got what they deserved from the season as a whole.

Megson made four changes to the team that were decisively beaten at Stoke with Hulse, Chambers, Clement and O'Connor replacing Dobie, Dyer, Haas and Kinsella.

Clement had to be alert to deny Marlon King an early shooting opportunity but he then presented the ball to WILLIAMS a couple of minutes later and the Forest midfielder advanced unchallenged before curling an exquisite shot into the corner.

Albion looked completely out of sorts and Forest were well on top with both Rogers and Johnson firing dangerous efforts on goal.

The only man who looked capable of getting the home side going was skipper Sean Gregan. He took matters into his own hands on 13 minutes by picking the ball up in the middle of the park before advancing on goal and firing a blistering drive just wide of the post.

It seemed to spark a little life into the Baggies and Hughes went close a few minutes later when he poked the ball over after a Koumas corner was deflected into his path.

Forest were content to sit back and let Albion come at them, and another Koumas corner presented Hughes with a shooting chance, and this time Gerrard was equal to it as he produced a fine save from close range.

Koumas had the ball in the net on 33 minutes, but Dermot Gallagher ruled that Hughes had fouled Gerrard and the goal was not allowed to stand.

Albion seemed to run out of steam as the game drew towards half time, but Gaardsoe forced Gerrard into another close range save just on half time, from yet another Koumas set piece.

Megson obviously had a vocal welcome for the players at half time as they came out after the break with renewed purpose.

Chambers found himself in a rare position inside the box early in the second half after a neat exchange with O'Connor, but Gerrard managed to block the young defender's effort.

O'Connor and Hulse were sacrificed for Sakiri and Dobie as Megson looked to increase the attacking options. Another Koumas corner flashed across the box but no one could get a touch, and Gerrard was forced into a good save from a Dobie shot and just managed to pounce on the ball before Hughes could get to the rebound.

The was a brief respite for the Forest defence when Reid went on a run before firing straight at Hoult, but Albion were soon back on the attack.

Hughes found himself in a great position when Koumas played a superb ball through, but the Ninja miscontrolled the ball and the chance was gone. And Sakiri was next to go close from a free kick that Gerrard managed to tip round the post.

Dobie and Clement both missed the target with headers before great work from Hughes saw him square the ball to Sakiri at the far post, but the Macedonian captain could only shin the ball over the bar.

Then, with two minutes left, Albion gave another Forest player too much time. This time it was David JOHNSON, and he smashed a vicious shot into the top corner giving Hoult absolutely no chance.

A disappointing end to the season cannot take too much gloss off what has been a remarkable achievement under immense pressure. It has maybe highlighted how much there is to do if we are to make a go of it next season - personally, I can't wait!!


RESULT - WEST BROMWICH ALBION 0 NOTTINGHAM FOREST 2

Marks

Hoult - 7 - No chance with either goal, didn't do a lot wrong.
Gaardsoe - 6 - One of the few who looked up for it early on, but gave both scorers too much time.
Moore - 6 - Also guilty of standing off the scorers, but generally did OK.
Clement - 6 - Still makes too many mistakes despite continuing to show occasional promise.
J Chambers - 6 - Occasionally exposed at the back, but did OK going forward.
Koumas - 7 - Some great delivery from set pieces, but often looked disinterested.
O'Connor - 5 - Just isn't doing it.
Gregan - 8 - MOM. Tried to get everybody going with a one man fight in the first half - looking close to his best.
Robinson - 7 - Good defensively and really got stuck in.
Hulse - 5 - Again looked out of sorts.
Hughes - 7 - Lively and dangerous as ever - led the line well.

Dobie - 6 - One or two moments, but little impact really.
Sakiri - 6 - Missed the chance of the game.
Dyer - 6 - On too late to make his usual impact.

The Manager - 7 - Couldn't have done much different other than bringing Dyer on earlier, but his players let him down in the first half.
West Bromwich Albion (3-5-2):
Hoult; Gaardsoe, Moore, Clement; J Chambers, O'Connor (Sakiri 55), Gregan, Koumas, Robinson (Dyer 82); Hughes, Hulse (Dobie 62). Subs not used: Murphy (GK), Haas.
Nottingham Forest (4-4-2):
Gerrard; Impey (Louis-Jean 55), Dawson, Walker, Rogers; Jess, Evans, Williams, Reid; Johnson, King. Subs not used: Doig (GK), Roche, Westcarr, Sonner.
Scoring: Williams (4) 0-1, Johnson (88) 0-2.
Bookings: None.
Referee: D Gallagher (Banbury).
Attendance: 26,821.
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