The Baggies get off to a great start in their push for promotion back to the Premiership by beating Hull city 2-0 at the Hawthorns thanks to a Debut Double by John Hartson.
Bryan Robson kept faith with the same line up that started in the 0-0 draw with Real Sociedad last Sunday, this meant that Pascal Zuberbuhler was preferred to Tomasz Kuszczak in goal which adds further foundation to the rumours that he is on his way to Manchester United. Full Debuts were also given to Chris Perry and John Hartson.
West Bromwich Albion (4-4-2)
Zuberbuhler, Watson, C Davies, Perry, Robinson, Gera (Carter 78), Wallwork (Inamoto 86), Quashie, Greening (Albrechtsen 80), Hartson, Ellington.
Subs not used: Kuszczak (GK), Chaplow.
Hull City (4-4-2)
Myhill, Ricketts, Turner, Delaney, Dawson, Fagan, Marney, Welsh, Elliott (France 29), Parkin (Burgess 68), Duffy (Andrews 77).
Subs not used: Duke (GK), Thelwell.
Booked: Albion – Greening (Dissent 88) Hull – Marney (Foul 22) Welsh (Simulation 90)
Referee: Lee Probert (Gloucs)
Goals: Albion – Hartson 57+ 90
First Half
Albion started the game brightly in an attacking display not seen at the Hawthorns for some time with the Hull Defence simply unable to cope with Zoltan Gera`s pace and trickery. Had it not been for 2 excellent saves by Hull stopper Boaz Myhill, last ditch Hull defending and poor finishing Albion would have been 5 – 0 up at the break.
The first chance came as early as the first minute when Gera charged down the right hand side laving various Hull players in his wake before crossing for Greening whose shot was blocked.
By the 10th minute Albion had been thwarted twice by the superb Hull keeper Myhill. First was an excellent point blank save to deny Gera, he then turned a Greening header onto the post.
At this point Albion were in total control of the game and had done everything but score in some of the best Football we have seen for some time. Next to threaten the Hull goal was Gera who volleyed a Robinson cross high & wide. Hartson then came close with a diving header after yet more good work from Gera. In the 37th Minute both Hartson and Quashie had goalbound shots blocked before Wallwork fired wide.
At the other end, debutant Keeper Zuberbuhler was never tested and had a trouble free half. The only 2 chances Hull created were when Marney shot wide from eight yards on 25 minutes and France headed wide just before half time.
Second Half
The second half started with Hull looking the better side and Albion somewhat disorganised with stray passes and poor clearances subjecting themselves to unnecessary pressure.
Hull nearly took the lead when Zuberbuhler completely missed Ricketts cross which then bounced off the Albion post to Marney who had his shot blocked and cleared by the alert Curtis Davies.
Albion did not heed the warning and continued with some lacklustre play that frustrated the fans. Hull should have taken the lead when Turner flicked on Fagans cross only for Duffy to head over from little more than a yard out.
Albion then broke the deadlock with a goal that was against the run of play. Nigel Quashie played an inch perfect chip to put John Hartson through on goal who used every ounce of his experience to lob Myhill from 18 yards out. You could almost feel the pressure lift from fans and players alike.
Hull then suddenly ditched the disgraceful time wasting tactics that had been employed as early as the eighth minute and launched various attempts to break down Albion`s stubborn defence down. Hull could have had a penalty in the final minute when Welsh went down under challenge from Substitute, Inamoto. The appeals were waved away by the Referee who then booked Welsh for diving.
Although it was a good shout for a Penalty there was absolutely no need for a Hull supporter to run on the pitch to try and remonstrate with the Referee. Fortunately a Hull player stepped in and grabbed the angry, but rather portly, fan who was about to embark on a chase that was worthy of a chorus of the Benny Hill theme tune.
With Hull clearly shaken by the events Albion launched a counter attack with Ellington breaking free only to be fouled, he quickly gave the ball to Quashie who held the ball up and fed Hartson with an inch perfect pass, Hartson produced a perfect finish for the 2nd goal of his Albion Career.
Hartson`s goal proved to be the last kick of the game. 2-0, job done. Apart from a few shaky moments we looked comfortable throughout although we desperately need another striker to provide back up for Hartson and Ellington as they are our only fit, recognised strikers. Roll on Cardiff.
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