WBA v Plymouth Argyle - Full Match Report.

By Jemma Tappenden
February 1 2007

Albion returned to League action lastnight as they took on Plymouth Argyle in a midweek clash at the Hawthorns, which gave the Baggies the perfect opportunity to move within a point of 3rd place side Preston North End.

After the thrills and spills of Sunday’s FA Cup 4th round game against Wolves, West Bromwich Albion turned their attention back to the Championship last night as they took on Ian Holloway’s Plymouth Argyle at the Hawthorns. 3 points over the Pilgrims would ensure that Albion could close the gap on Preston North End to just one point. New signing Dean Kiely was handed a home debut, replacing Zuberbuhler in goal in Mowbray’s only change from the side which beat Wolves at Molineux.

It was Argyle who started the brighter applying some early pressure on Albion, but without troubling the debutant goalkeeper. The first real chance of the game however fell to Albion in the 11th minute. Kamara controlling Paul Robinson’s ball perfectly into the box, only to be foiled by Pilgrims keeper Luke McCormick. Less than 60 seconds later Kamara was back on the case, as he latched onto a Koumas cross. Plymouth enjoyed plenty of early possession, but failed to make it count in the final third, and it was not until after Paul McShane had come painfully close to scoring for Albion from a Koumas free kick in the 20th minute, that Argyle finally recorded their first shot on target. Finally in the 41st the deadlock was broken. After Akos Buzsaky handled the ball in the area, Albion were awarded a penalty which Kamara coolly slotted past the keeper – despite him going the right way. 1-0 to Albion at half time.

It was Plymouth who came out brimming with confidence at the start of the second half, despite the Baggies having the lead. Albion fans were grateful to see Hayles fire over the bar from within the box. Despite pressure from Argyle, it was Albion who found the net again, Kamara again, drawing McCormick off his goal line and slotting home from a tight right angle in the 50th minute. It was a chance created from nothing, but the 2-0 advantage allowed Baggies fans to breathe easier at least. Albion missed a superb chance to gain a 3 goal advantage as Chaplow shot over the bar from eight yards. It was Chaplow who shone for Albion in the second half, but Albion were still absorbing large amounts of pressure from the visitors. Buzsarky again went close for Argyle with a piercing 20 yard volley. This marked the start of Plymouth’s most dangerous spell during the match, and it took a super save from Kiely in the 64th minute to keep Albion at a two goal advantage. Eventually Plymouth substitute Fallon volleyed into the bottom right hand corner 19 minutes from time, ensuring the home side had a nervous finish to the game. Zoltan Gera had Albion’s only other significant chance of the game, firing wide from 20 yards.

It was a nervous end to the game as Argyle piled on the pressure searching for an equaliser. Kiely pulled off an almighty save from unmarked substitute Sylvan Ebanks-Blake, and only moments later it was Clement who was clearing off the line. Hearts at the Hawthorns skipped a beat as Albion substitute MacDonald appeared to bring down Capaldi in the box. The ref waved all penalty appeals away, leaving the Plymouth bench seething. Albion were to suffer one more brief scare, before the final whistle finally relieved the tension.

A vital 3 points for the Baggies sees them remain in 4th place, but move to within a point of 3rd placed Preston North End, who themselves lost this week. The gap between Albion and Wolves remains 6 points, after Wolves picked up a crucial 3 points away at Carrow Road on Tuesday, overcoming Norwich by a goal to nil with 9 men. Wolves are positioned 10th in the Championship table, 3 points away from the playoff places. The Pilgrims will visit Molineux this Saturday for their second game in the Midlands this week. Albion will take on Hull City at the KC Stadium.