August 2007

Won 3 Drew 0 Lost 2.
Burnley (A) 1-2, Bournemouth (H) 1-0 (CC1), Preston (H) 2-0, Sheffield Utd (A) 0-1, Peterborough (A) 2-0 (CC2).

After a summer which saw many of the "big name" players leave but a host of new signings started with defeat at Turf Moor. With five of the summer signings making their league debuts, arguably the most successful signing of Bryan Robson's tenure, Kevin Phillips, put Albion ahead only for the hosts to score twice in the second half to take the points.

After a midweek win over Bournemouth, with new signing Craig Beattie grabbing his first goal for the club, Albion opened their league points tally with a comfortable 2-0 win over Preston at the Hawthorns. That game will be most remembered for the explosive introduction of a new loan signing from Manchester City, a certain Ishmael Miller who powered through the Preston defence to open his Albion account just seven minutes after coming of the bench in his debut.

Bryan Robson's Sheffield United inflicted a second league defeat in three games at Brammall Lane when James Beattie scored the only goal of the game to leave Albion in an uncomfortable 18th place in the Championship, but the month ended on a high with a 2-0 win at League Two Peterborough which saw Albion through to the third round of the Carling Cup.

On transfer deadline day, a little known Czech striker by the name of Roman Bednar joined on a season-long loan from Hearts. Still not fully recovered from injury, Bednar was not expected to make an appearance for the side for some time - little did we know how timely his introduction would eventually be.


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September 2007

Won 4 Drew 1 Lost 1.
Barnsley (H) 2-0, Ipswich Town (H) 4-0, Bristol City (A) 1-1, Scunthorpe Utd (A) 3-2, Cardiff City (H) 2-4, QPR (H) 5-1.

With thirteen new signings, there was a concern that it would take some time for the team to gel together, but by the end of September, those fears were largely dismissed.

The month started with Barnsley returning to the Hawthorns, perhaps with some trepidation after the 7-0 thrashing they had received back in May. With Albion fans expecting a repeat performance, a new hero was born on the half hour when new signing Filipe Teixeira made an impact to rival that made by Miller in the previous home game when he scored a superb solo effort to opening the scoring. A second goal by Beattie eight minutes later left the home fans baying for more goals after the break, but the visitors proved a somewhat sterner test than on their previous visit and there were no further goals.

After the international break, Ipswich were the visitors to the Hawthorns and Albion's impressive home form continued. But the 4-0 scoreline was very harsh on an Ipswich side who had deserved an equaliser to Miller's opener as they dominated the second half. But the three goals in the last three minutes for Albion were an early sign of the free-scoring nature that they, and Phillips in particular, were to exhibit all season.

The Baggies then went to Ashton Gate to play the newly-promoted, and early pace-setters, Bristol City. A win could put Albion top of the table, and Robert Koren's first goal for the club with 16 minutes remaining looked to have done the trick, but a late equaliser for the home side meant the points were shared. Bradley Orr's 89th minute header was one of the first examples of Albion's achilles heel that would persist throughout the season - defending set pieces.

A few days later, Albion visited a second newly promoted club in four days when the fixture list took them to their first ever league meeting with Scunthorpe United. The Iron were defending a proud nine-month unbeaten home record and a 1-0 half time lead put them in pole position. But Albion responded magnificently in the second half scoring three times through new signings Leon Barnett, Chris Brunt and another wonderful strike from Filipe Teixeira. A 90th minute goal from Paterson should have been no more than a consolation, but Albion had to endure eight minutes of added time before their first away win of the season was confirmed.

The one hiccup of the month came in the midweek Carling Cup tie against Cardiff City. Having not conceded a goal at the Hawthorns all season, the veteran trio of Robbie Fowler, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Trevor Sinclair had put four past a much-changed Baggies defence within the first half hour. A much improved second half performance saw Ishmael Miller score twice to add a little respectability to the scoreline, but Albion's Carling Cup run was over.

All that was forgotten when the TV cameras visited the Hawthorns for the first time of the season as the home side treated the viewers and almost 25,000 spectators to a wonderful footballing display. The commentators were drooling as the home side put John Gregory's side to the sword with five wonderful goals, with two coming from Kevin Phillips on his 50th Albion appearance. With the fifth goal hitting the net with some 24 minutes still remaining, the scoreline could easily have been more but it was enough to put Albion second in the table. Little did the Albion fans know how prophetic their chant to John Gregory would be as they sang "You'll be sacked in the morning!"

September had seen new signings Barnett, Brunt, Teixeria and Koren all score their first goals for the club, and with Miller and Beattie already off the mark, the signs were that Tony Mowbray's new boys were settling in just fine.


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October 2007

Won 2 Drew 1 Lost 2
Stoke City (H) 1-1, Southampton (A) 2-3, Colchester Utd (A) 2-3, Blackpool (H) 2-1, Norwich City (H) 2-0.

October saw Albion's form dip starting with them dropping their first league points at the Hawthorns. Baggies bogey side Stoke City may have left the Hawthorns with a point, but they left with little respect. In a cynical and physical display, Tony Pulis's side did everything they could to disrupt Albion's free flowing football and yet had Albion taken half the chances they created, the Potters would have left with nothing.

That disappointment was followed by Albion's only successive defeats of the season at Southampton and Colchester. Two goals from Robert Koren had brought the Baggies level having gone 2-0 down early on, but Stern John's winner meant that the Baggies left the south coast pointless.

Two weeks later, Albion made their last ever trip to Layer Road. Phillip's early goal gave the visitors the perfect start, but the hosts scored twice before Miller grabbed an equaliser before half time. A second half penalty gave the home side the points and left Albion in fifth place some nine points behind leaders Watford.

The midweek home game against Blackpool was seen as crucial to get Albion's promotion game back on track, but the Seasiders proved to be difficult opposition and looked to be heading for a well-earned point before James Morrison, another summer signing, grabbed his first Albion goal with a blistering strike from the corner of the box with 11 minutes to go.

Four days later, goals either side of half time from Ishmael Miller and Kevin Phillips saw off Norwich City making it 19 points from a possible 21 at the Hawthorns for the season. Those three points meant that at the end of October, Albion were in third place, nine behind Watford who they were to meet at Vicarage Road in the next game.


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November 2007

Won 3 Drew 2 Lost 0
Watford (A) 3-0, Sheffield Utd (H) 1-1, Coventry City (A) 4-0, Wolves (H) 0-0, Plymouth Argyle (A) 2-1

November 2006 was a dreadful month for Tony Mowbray as Albion lost ground on the leaders, but in 2007, his side remained unbeaten with three highly impressive away victories.

The first of those, and probably the most significant result of the first half of the season, was the stupendous 3-0 win at Vicarage Road. Having dropped just seven points all season, and only two of those at home, Watford were flying high at the top of the Championship with the physical, uncompromising and direct style of football that Aidy Boothroyd had deemed necessary to reach the Premiership. But they were so thoroughly outplayed by Tony Mowbray's free-flowing attractive football side on that first Saturday in November, that Albion fans and neutral observers alike started to believe that Albion might be able to do it. While the chant of "3-0 to the football team" that sounded out from the visiting supporters was sweet, the run of form that Watford endured following that mauling was sweeter still. Their next league victory at Vicarage Road would not come until 2nd February (against Wolves), and their overall run of 17 points from 15 games effectively ended their automatic promotion hopes.

The televised 4-0 win at Coventry was ultimately impressive although aided by an insane act of thuggery by Michael Mifsud that resulted in the home side playing nearly 80 minutes with 10 men. They were clinically dispatched in second half.

Either side of the game at the Ricoh were home draws against Sheffield Wednesday and Wolves. The name of Nigel Miller will always be remembered for his part in the game against the Owls. Wednesday proved to be stubborn opposition but Phillips finally broke through with 13 minutes to go. With three minutes of injury time signalled, play continued on and on until the 96th minute when former Baggie Steve Watson grabbed an undeserved equaliser. What was even more galling was that Mr Miller missed a clear foul on Heofkens in the build up to the goal.

The draw with the Dingles was a tight affair that should have been won with a late penalty from Zoltan Gera, but the magic of the Magyar deserted him as Hennessey saved.

The final game of November saw the emergence of another Albion hero. Despite the impressive performances so far in the month, injuries to Phillips and Miller had left the Albion forward line severely depleted. Step forward Roman Bednar. The now fit Czech striker made his first start for Albion at Home Park and capped an impressive performance as a lone striker with two first half goals. A late goal for Plymouth made the last few minutes a little tense, but Albion held on to end the month with another impressive win on the road.

Albion were now in second place just two points behind leaders Watford, having made a massive seven points up on them during the month,


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December 2007

Won 4 Drew 1 Lost 2
Crystal Palace (A) 1-1, Coventry City (H) 2-4, Leicester City (A) 2-1, Charlton Athletic (H) 4-2, Stoke City (A) 1-3, Bristol City (H) 4-1, Scunthorpe Utd (H) 5-0

December was a mixed month. It opened with a credible draw at Selhurst Park against a resurgent Crystal Palace side, but then out of the blue, the proud unbeaten league record at the Hawthorns went in an amazing game against Coventry.

Having dispatched their midland rivals 4-0 on their own patch the previous month, no one expected Albion to concede four at the Hawthorns. It all looked good midway through the second half when another two goals from the free-scoring Bednar brought the Baggies back level having conceded two early goals. Everyone expected Albion to go on and win the game, but two silly yellow cards in the space of seven minutes saw Paul Robinson sent for an early bath and suddenly the Baggies were up against. Two late goals for the visitors saw them leave with the points.

Craig Beattie scored a few goals during the season but was much criticised, but no one can understate his impact at Leicester. With Albion forced to field a makeshift defence thanks to injury and suspensions, little was expected at the Walkers Stadium, but a battling performance and a goal from Zoltan Gera saw the Baggies deservedly leading until Ian Hume's controversial goal brought the home side level. Stand-in 'keeper Luke Steele looked to have been fouled but the goal stood. But on came Beattie to win the game with a wonderful strike with two minutes left.

The TV cameras were back at the Hawthorns for the visit of Charlton and once again the viewers were treated to some wonderful football. Despite some questionable defending which saw Charlton twice come from behind, Albion ran out 4-2 winners with the last goal coming from the fit again Kevin Phillips. Roman Bednar, who scored the first that day, had proved to be a more than adequate replacement.

With the memory of the win at Watford seemingly distant, critics were once again bemoaning Albion's fragility as an impressive Ricardo Fuller bulldozed his way through the Albion defence to score a hat-trick as the Stoke voodoo struck again at the Britannia.

But Albion finished the year in fine form bagging nine goals in the last two games of 2007 to destroy promotion rivals Bristol City and then relegation candidates Scunthorpe in front of a combined attendance of more than 52,000. Phillips was on top form, grabbing a brace in each game, and the game against Scunthorpe was a goal-of-the-season competition all on its own with Koren, Gera and Beattie all producing wonderful strikes.

So as we moved into 2008, Albion were sitting proudly on top of the table three points clear of second placed Watford.


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January 2008

Won 3 Drew 2 Lost 1
Ipswich Town (A) 0-2, Charlton Athletic (A) 1-1 (FAC3), Hull City (A) 3-1, Charlton Athletic (H) 2-2 pens 4-3 (FAC3R), Cardiff City (H) 3-3, Peterborough (A) 3-0 (FAC4), Preston (A) 1-2

For the second year running, Albion started with a disappointing away defeat. However, the ignaminious defeat at Southend at the start of 2007 beared no resemblance to the 2-0 loss at Portman Road this time around. Ipswich defended their proud unbeaten home record with an execellent performance and Albion, who also played reasonably well, finally succombed conceding two late goals.

After a forgettable 1-1 draw in the third round of the FA Cup at Charlton, Albion returned to blistering form at the KC Stadium, in another televised game. Goals from Phillips and Morrison capped an irresistable first half display, but the much improved Tigers made a game of it after the break and pulled a goal back. The three points weren't safe until Bednar came of the bench to seal it with an injury time strike. It was to be Hull's last home defeat of the season as they embarked on the run that took them into the play-offs.

Albion needed penalties to finally get past Charlton in the cup, although being 2-0 up with 25 minutes left, it should never have got that far. Bednar scored the decisive penalty kick to further enhance his reputation with Albion fans.

Albion's fighting spirit was epitomised in the league game against Cardiff, as were their defensive frailties. Finding themselves 2-0 and then 3-1 down with 30 minutes left, they fought back to equalise with two minutes to go, but couldn't find a winner.

A potential FA Cup banana skin in the shape of high-flying League Two Peterborough was safely negotiated with a professional performance kicked off by an early goal from Bednar. Albion had knocked the London Road side out of both cup competitions this season.

January ended with a disappointing 2-1 defeat at Preston conceding from two set pieces - it was to be the start of a worrying run of form that saw Albion drop away although at the end of January, goal difference kept them on top of the table with Bristol City in second spot.


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February 2008

Won 2 Drew 1 Lost 2
Burnley (H) 2-1, Barnsley (A) 1-2, Sheffield United (H) 0-0, Coventry City (A) 5-0 (FAC5), Hull City (H) 1-2

February was one of mixed fortunes for the Baggies although at the end of the month, there was an overall feeling of concern that Albion's promotion challenge was faltering at just the wrong time.

The month started with a league win, but it was to be the only one of the month. The 2-1 win over Burnley was not exactly comfortable as Albion old boy James O'Connor put the visitors ahead early on before goals from Cesar and Bednar earned the points for the Baggies. Koren missed a penalty which would have made the victory a little easier, but although Albion continued to dominate games, their tendency to give goals away too easily was becoming a concern.

That concern was reinforced in Albion's next game when, despite dominating for long periods, the Baggies went down 2-1 at Barnsley to allow Watford to regain top spot.

For the second time of the season, a game at the Hawthorns turned out to be the last for an incumbent manager. After QPR manager John Gregory had been sacked following a 5-1 drubbing in September, it was the turn of former Albion boss Bryan Robson to part company with Sheffield United after their visit to B71. The 0-0 draw may have been seen as a decent result for the Blades, but an already under pressure Robson lost his job nonetheless. From Albion's point of view, it was another two points dropped.

The next weekend saw Albion return to the scene of their biggest away win of the season, the Ricoh Arena. Having won 4-0 there in the league, the Baggies went one better in the Cup as they cruised into the quarter finals with a ruthless second half display against a dreadful Coventry side.

But that impressive performance was soon forgotten as the alarm bells were ringing again when Hull City visited the Hawthorns a week later. The in-form Tigers inflicted Albion's second home defeat of the season thanks to a late winner from Caleb Folan to leave the Baggies in 4th place at the end of the month some seven points behind new leaders Stoke City, albeit with a game in hand.

A return to form was much needed.

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March 2008

Won 4 Drew 2 Lost 1
Plymouth Argyle (H) 3-0, Sheffield Wednesday (A) 1-0, Bristol Rovers (A) 5-1 (FAC6), Crystal Palace (H) 1-1, Leicester City (H) 1-4, Charlton Athletic (A) 1-1, Colchester United (H) 4-3

March did nothing if prove that it is never boring following the Baggies.

The month opened with a much need comfortable win over Plymouth Argyle to complete the double over the Devon club with Roman Bednar grabbing his third goal in two games against them. The midweek trip to Hillsborough looked like ending in a creditable 0-0 draw before Kevin Phillips popped up deep into injury time to grab a priceless winner.

And then it was back into the Cup run. Albion had been given a kind quarter final draw against Bristol Rovers, but when the underdogs won in all three of the other quarter finals, the question was whether Albion could buck the trend. After a great start which saw Morrison and Miller put Albion 2-0 up at the tiny Memorial Stadium, the tie was immediately back in the balance as the hosts pulled a goal back. But in the second half, Albion ran away with it and Miller grabbed a hat-trick to send Albion to Wembley once again for an FA Cup semi-final.

Back in league action, Albion tried everything to grab a winner against Palace but had to settle for a 1-1 draw before one of the most remarkable games at the Hawthorns took place the following Saturday. Robert Koren put the Baggies ahead against struggling Leicester City, and everyone expected the goals to flow. They did indeed flow, but into Albion's net after January loan signing Luke Moore got himself sent off on 35 minutes. Within 3 minutes, the visitors had equalised and Steve Howard produced a second half hat-trick to send the Foxes home with a 4-1 win and three priceless points in their battle to escape relegation.

Albion dropped more points as they could only manage a draw in the televised Good Friday encounter at the Valley, and the visit of Colchester to the Hawthorns was looking like a must-win encounter.

If anyone thought the Leicester game was remarkable, the visit of the men from Layer Road beggared belief. After starting like a train but failing to score, Albion found themselves two down after just 17 minutes thanks to some dubious defending and goalkeeping. But after a few minutes of stunned silence, the Hawthorns crowd urged Albion on and were rewarded by two quick-fire goals which brought the home side level before half time. The Baggies went for the throat after the break but somehow couldn't find a way part the Colchester defence and the unthinkable happened with 14 minutes to go when Lisbie put the visitors back in front. Still Albion battered the Colchester back line, and just when time was running out, James Morrison popped up with an injury time equaliser to send the Hawthorns wild. But it was still not over as Albion pushed for a winner, and it duly arrived when Brunt crossed for Bednar to nod home a winner, and the belief returned to the Hawthorns. Albion may make it hard, but maybe they do have the guts to get promoted after all.

So as March drew to a close, Albion were still in 4th place and four points behind the latest leaders, Bristol City. But the extended cup run meant that Albion had two games in hand over all three clubs above them - but they were both tough away trips to Cardiff and Wolves.


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April 2008

Won 3 Drew 3 Lost 1
Cardiff City (A) 0-0, Portsmouth (N) 0-1, Blackpool (A) 3-1, Watford (H) 1-1, Wolves (A) 1-0, Norwich City (A) 2-1, Southampton (H) 1-1

The vagaries of the fixture list and Albion's Cup run meant that they had to play five of the remaining seven league games away from the Hawthorns, and an FA Cup Semi Final as well. April was to be a tough month.

With both clubs preparing for FA Cup Semi Finals at the weekend, Albion's visit to Cardiff could have been a tame affair. But Albion had automatic promotion in their sights, and Cardiff still had dreams of the play-offs and it was a hard fought game that ended goalless, probably to the satisfaction of both managers.

And so to Wembley and Albion's first FA Cup Semi Final for 26 years. Weather-wise, the day was very similar to Albion's previous trip to the new Wembley last May, and unfortunately the result was all too familiar as well. Despite outplaying Premier League Portsmouth for long periods, Albion couldn't find a way through their excellent defence, and eventually lost to a controversial goal from Albion old-boy Kanu after Baros had handled in the build up.

There is an argument that had Albion won that game, they might not have gained automatic promotion with the players having one eye on an FA Cup Final. We will never know. What can be said is that the defeat galvanised the players to ensure that the season would be successful one way or another.

Three days later, that feeling was epitomised as, trailing 1-0 to Blackpool with 10 minutes left, Albion somehow found something extra and scored three times to grab three vital points.

Life didn't get any easier as the next visitors to the Hawthorns were Watford, still boasting the best away record in the division. It was a tight affair that Albion probably should have won, but once again they had to settle for a point, but they were now just a point behind leaders Stoke with a game in hand.

That game was at Molineux the following Tuesday evening. In one of their best away performances of the season, Albion took all three points thanks to a solitary goal from Zoltan Gera. It should have been much easier and the Baggies had to survive a late aerial onslaught, but survive it they did to go back to the top of the table with three games to go.

In April 2007, Albion had visited Carrow Road and grabbed a 2-1 win to help secure a play-off spot - 12 months on, the need was the same, only this time it was an automatic promotion spot in the balance. The outcome was the same. Koren and Gera put Albion 2-0 up before a penalty for Norwich left a nerve-wracking last fifteen minutes. This time, there was no Dion Dublin to come on and force a wonder-save from Kiely, just five long minutes of added time before the points were secure.

Albion's final home game of the season against Southampton was put back to Monday evening to be televised, so Albion knew exactly what they had to do to confirm promotion. Their remarkable goal difference meant that a point would be enough to secure promotion, three would leave them needing one point at QPR for the Championship.

It was a frustrating night for so long as Richard Wright and a resolute Saints defence held firm, and then disaster struck as Lallana put the visitors ahead with just 13 minutes remaining. But once again, the Hawthorns crowd roared their players on, and with 6 minutes left, Chris Brunt fired home to send Albion back to the Premier League.


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May 2008

Won 1 Drew 0 Lost 0
QPR (A) 2-0

It was to prove to be some week for Chris Brunt. After scoring the goal that effectively secured Albion's promotion, he became a father in midweek before scoring a wonderful free kick at Loftus Road to send Albion on the way to their first League Championship for 88 years.

Do-heon Kim had put Albion ahead before Brunt's netbuster confirmed the victory, and all that remained was for that famous old trophy to be placed in the hands of Albion skipper Jonathan Greening. Jonno had a fantastic season as captain and it was a sweet moment indeed to see him lift the trophy to celebrate Albion's rightful position as the best side outside the Premier League - until August.

It was an exciting season, eventful, frustrating at times, but always fantastic to watch and ultimately successful. Tony Mowbray's brand of football will hopefully keep the Hawthorns full for many years to come.


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