Albion kept their 100% Hawthorns record in tact with a 2-0 win over Leicester City thanks to late goals from Darren Kenton (OG) & Kevin Phillips (Pen).
There was also a return to the fold for Jason Koumas who was on the bench and starting places for Martin Albrechtsen (For the injured Watson), Paul McShane (For the injured Davies) & Darren Carter (For the out of form Gera)
West Bromwich Albion (4-4-2)
Zuberbuhler, Albrechtsen, McShane, Perry, Robinson, Greening (Koumas 69), Wallwork, Quashie (Chaplow 86), Carter, Hartson (Ellington 69), Phillips.
Subs Not Used: Hoult (GK), Gera.
Leicester City (4-4-2)
Henderson, Kenton, Kisnorbo, McCarthy, Johansson, Low (Stearman 61), Johnson, Hughes, Porter (Wesolowski 78), O’Grady, Fryatt (Hume 66)
Subs Not Used: Logan, McCauley.
Goals:
West Bromwich Albion: Kenton (OG), 83. Phillips (Pen), 86.
First Half
The high point of a dull first period occurred before a ball had been kicked as returning Albion hero Andy Johnson got a deserved ovation from the Albion faithful, apart from this there was not much to cheer as Albion struggled to break down a Leicester City side sent out to spoil and defend for a draw.
After 10 minutes Darren Carter had Albion’s first chance as he struck the inside of Henderson’s post with a well taken Free Kick from 20 yards following a foul on Phillips.
After 15 Minutes Carter crossed well for Phillips whose shot was superbly turned around the post by excellent Leicester Keeper Henderson.
After 30 minutes Leicester eventually crossed the half way line and missed good chances with both O’Grady & Fryatt firing wide.
Henderson made one more good save when Hartson headed goal bound from a corner from the anonymous Greening.
Second Half
No changes were made at half time and after 49 minutes Phillips stretched but could not get a touch on Quashies low centre.
The game then died off until the 58th Minute when Henderson saved at Harton’s feet, 2 minutes later Phillips drove a shot wide of the post. The Brilliant Darren Carter then stung the Crossbar from 25 yards – does this lad score anything but screamers?
On 69 Minutes Hartson was replaced by Ellington and the ineffective Greening made way for the return of Jason Koumas, who got a reception that was frankly too good for him.
The Subs seemed to lift Albion who sharpened up and became more purposeful. Quashie sent a sublime pass though to Phillips in the 73rd minute but Henderson again came off on top of the one on one.
In the 83rd minute the deadlock was broken in comical circumstances when Darren Kenton bulleted a header past Henderson from Quashies quality Cross.
3 Minutes later Phillips was put through on goal only to be brought down by Kisnorbo. Phillips dusted himself down to confidently slot home the Penalty.
2-0, job done but there is still alot of improvements to be made.
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