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Sunderland
v West Bromwich Albion
Stadium of Light,
Sunderland. 19th April 2003, 3.00pm. |
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The final nail in Albion's
Premiership coffin was banged in 150 miles away from Sunderland
as Okocha scored the goal that gave Bolton three points, while a
bizarre game was played out the Stadium of Light ironically giving
Albion their first points since playing Bolton at the Hawthorns
ten weeks ago. Bizarre because Albion scored twice, Derek McInnes
scored twice and Albion were a little fortunate. And while it may
have meant nothing in terms of Premiership survival, it was all
important for the "race" to finish 19th!
The starting line-up was unchanged from the Everton game with Roberts
returning to the squad only to take his place on the bench.
The home side started the stronger as some forceful play coupled
with some poor defending carved out a number of early chances. Hoult
had to be alert to save from Gray after Balis lost possession, and
he then pulled off a miraculous close range stop from a Stewart
header as he sought to dismiss the demons from the Everton match.
Albion responded with a McInnes volley that was stopped by Poom
as the Scotsman got into his stride in what was to be his most influential
performance for the Baggies for some time. The rebound fell to Gregan
but his shot was blocked.
After a lull in proceedings, the game launched into action for the
last fifteen minutes of the first half. Just before the half hour,
Dichio came close to scoring against his former team from a Koumas
corner before Kilbane went close with a 25-yarder.
On 36 minutes, Lee Hughes's misfortune continued as he limped off
to be replaced by Roberts. Three minutes later, the visitors took
the lead.
As Mart Poom rose to claim a Clement cross, he collided with defender
El Karkouri and dropped the ball at the feet of MCINNES who, despite
failing to connect cleanly, saw the ball bobble into the corner
of the net for his first of the season.
Three minutes later, Albion were awarded a free-kick on the edge
of the Sunderland penalty area. Koumas's shot deflected off the
wall onto Poom's legs, and with three players following in, it was
MCINNES who got the touch to put the Baggies two-nil up.
Sunderland started the second half brightly as Marcus Stewart tested
Hoult from 15 yards, and Sigurdsson was forced into a last ditch
clearance to also deny the former Ipswich striker. But the Albion
defence took hold and the Sunderland threat petered out.
At the other end, Dichio came close with a 20-yard shot and Roberts
was looking more like the player we know he can be running at defenders
with pace. He was almost through on goal when Craddock produced
a fine tackle to dispossess him.
As it looked as though the game was dying and would see Albion produce
their first two-goal victory in the Premiership, Hoult spilled a
shot from Sean Thornton allowing STEWART to follow up and score.
It roused the Black Cats into a final effort for the equaliser and
Stewart wasted a couple of opportunities before Hoult saved superbly
from Phillips late on, as the Baggies held out for the three points.
Albion have played much better on several occasions this season
and lost, but it proves that the luck goes against you at the bottom
as Sunderland were unfortunate not to get anything from the game.
It opens up a five point gap between the relegated sides which should
hopefully keep Albion off the bottom, and it gives Albion 24 points
- the same total they were relegated with 17 years ago.
RESULT - SUNDERLAND 1 WEST BROMWICH
ALBION 2
Marks
Hoult - 8 - Made some excellent saves.
Balis - 6 - Did OK, especially in the second half.
Clement - 7 - Useful performance from Clem.
Sigurdsson - 7 - Another good game from Siggy.
Wallwork - 7 - Carried on from his good performance against Everton.
Gregan - 6 - Did OK.
Koumas - 6 - Quiet game.
Johnson - 6 - Worked hard but didn't really produce.
McInnes - 8 - MOM. What can I say, after a string of inept performances,
he produces a stunner with a brace to boot.
Hughes - 6 - Did OK until his unfortunate injury.
Dichio - 7 - Did well against his old side.
Roberts - 7 - His best performance for months, keep it up.
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Sunderland
(4-3-3):
Poom; Williams, El Karkouri (McCartney 58), Craddock, Gray; Thornton,
McCann (Arca 19), Kilbane; Kyle (Proctor 82), Phillips, Stewart.
Subs not used: Sorensen (GK), Flo. |
West
Bromwich Albion (3-5-2):
Hoult; Sigurdsson, Wallwork, Gregan; Balis, McInnes, Johnson, Koumas,
Clement; Hughes (Roberts 36), Dichio. Subs not used: Murphy (GK),
Dobie, Lyttle, Udeze.
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Scoring: McInnes (39)
0-1, McInnes (42) 0-2, Stewart (71) 1-2.
Bookings: Sunderland - El Karkouri (foul 57), McCartney (foul 59),
Williams (foul 61), Kyle (dissent 77). West Bromwich Albion - Koumas
(foul 72).
Referee: G Poll (Tring)
Attendance: 36,025. |
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