A first goal for on loan striker Jay Simpson and a header from Paul Robinson allowed West Brom to ease past Peterborough United in their third round FA Cup replay at London road.
After Craig Mackail-Smith had forced a replay with his late goal in the original match, the Baggies were much more of a cohesive unit in the replay. Although Carson was tested early on he was able to keep out everything that was thrown at him. On 18 minutes the deadlock broke, with Jay Simpson belting a 20 yarder for his first goal in the stripes since joining on from Arsenal until the seasons end. The Albion doubled their advantage after 37 minutes, when an unmarked Paul Robinson dispelled some of his recent criticism with a firm header from Kim`s cross.
Mowbray gave a rare start to Ryan Donk at the back, who earned the only booking of the game but ultimately looked calm beside Leon Barnett. Teixeira was also given a start, and Simpson partnered Bednar up front, making way for Beattie with 20 minutes left. The increasingly impressive Graeme Dorrans was also given twenty minutes to showcase his recent rise in stock – his fearlessness could be an asset to the Baggies as we seek to climb to league safety.
However the talking point will be Simpson`s wonderfully hit goal; already a great deal of expectation rests on the young striker`s shoulders. A repeat of Kieran Richardson`s exploits from the great escape is what most fans are demanding from the technically gifted youngster.
In all, this game was a breeze, and the 2-0 scoreline could have been greater, even though Peterborough created chances of their own and could have scored at the death were it not for some smart work by Carson, and a last minute flying interception from Donk.
The Baggies will now play Burnley at the Hawthorns on the weekend of Jan 24th.
Referee
Peterborough (4-4-2)
Lewis, Martin, Morgan, Zakuani, Williams, Whelpdale, Keates, Lee (Batt 77), Boyd, Mclean, Mackail-Smith.
Subs Not Used: McKeown, Torres, Green, Webb, Gaughran, Blanchett.
West Brom (4-4-2)
Carson, Hoefkens, Barnett, Donk, Robinson, Kim (Borja Valero 80), Koren, Greening, Filipe Teixeira (Dorrans 65), Bednar, Simpson (Beattie 71).
Subs Not Used: Kiely, Brunt, Moore, Pele.
Referee
Andy D’Urso (Essex)