Scunthorpe United 2-3 West Bromwich Albion
By Jemma Tappenden
September 23 2007
You could say that this was always one of those games which looked destined to break records. Scunthorpe United, recently promoted but with an impeccable home record which had seen them unbeaten in 2007 at Glanford park, sweeping aside the likes of Sheffield Utd and Preston in the process. Albion, still searching those first 3 points away from home. What a cracker it looked set to be.
Ishmael Miller returning to the Baggies starting line up at Scunthorpe, starting the game as alone striker. Also restored to the starting eleven were Teixeira and Chris Brunt, with Kevin Phillips and Craig Beattie dropping to the bench and Richard Chaplow missing out altogether.
Albion got themselves off to a bright start, Miller connected well to a Gera right wing cross in the 2nd minute, but watched his effort glace inches over the bar, and just two minutes later Miller turned provider, but Scunthorpe defender Kelly Youga was able to clear the danger before Teixeira could pounce. It was Scunthorpe who had the next chance on goal, Kevan Hurst placing a dangerous corner to find Andy Butler who headed over.
The next corner kick came for Albion, Greening picking out Gera, who was unable to convert his chance into anything other than a screaming header far over the bar. It was the Baggies threatening again though just moments later, Gera picking Koren after a perfect pass from Greening. But Robert Koren was off target, smashing the ball in from around 18 yards.
Despite their bright start, the game took a vital turn in the 16th minute, as referee Salisbury awarded the home side a penalty, after Butler fell in the box rather easily after a relatively harmless looking challenge from Hoefkens. Baggies boss Tony Mowbray was reeling about the decision, but Crosby stepped up to take the kick, sliding it with ease past Dean Kiely.
Teixeira has the chance to put West Brom level just minutes later, finding himself in some unexpected space in the box. But unaware of just how much time he had, he shot inches wide of the post. Baggies fans held their breath in the 22nd minute as it looked all but likely that Scunthorpe were about to double their lead. Barnett, well beaten by Paul Hayes, could only watch as he picked out Paterson and unleashed a piercing 25 yard volley which fortunately for Albion fell just short of the target. 12 minutes later Paterson found himself in acres of space on the edge of the Baggies area. But his shot was well off target, and Kiely was able to stay rooted to his spot and merely spectate as the ball flew well wide of him.
Suddenly the Baggies found themselves under pressure, as the final 10 minutes of the half saw the Irons press for another. Paul Robinson and Robert Koren both on call to provide vital blocks against Scunthorpe player Ian Baraclough. Robinson wasted Albion’s last chance of the half, volleying over from15 yards. But the remainder of the half belonged to Scunthorpe, and it was Albion who found themselves more grateful for the break when the whistle finally blew.
Half Time: Scunthorpe United 1-0 West Bromwich Albion
Scunthorpe made a change at half time, Iriekpen replacing Crosby. Albion remained unchanged at the start of the final 45. Gera had two early half chances, but the Baggies, throwing everything at Scunthorpe early in the half were soon rewarded in the 49th minute when Brunt’s corner fell kindly to Gera, who was able to set up Barnett for his first Albion goal. Just 60 seconds later Miller looked to be clean in on goal, but Scunthorpe United defender Murphy was able to block any shot as the striker held onto the ball for a second or two longer then he might have done.
On the hour mark Miller looked clear again, Gera catching the home defence well asleep to allow the powerhouse of a striker through. But Murphy again, making up for his moment of laxness was able to block Miller. This time however his luck was out, having successfully duped Miller he could only watch as the clearance fell neatly to Brunt, who was able to tap home into an empty net to give Albion the lead.
The Albion advantage forced Irons boss Adkins into a double change, Baraclough and Hayes making way for Forte and Taylor. Goal scorer Barnett very nearly turned hero to zero by allowing Hurst with a golden opportunity to bring Scunthorpe level, but was able to breathe a sigh of relief as Hurst slotted wide. Matt Sparrow then fired wastefully over, missing another opportunity for the Irons to draw level.
Teixeira found Miller in the 78th minute, and with the ball returned to him immediately was able to drill home to give the Baggies a third, and a two goal advantage over Scunthorpe. The game looked to be dead and buried with only 12 minutes left on the clock. Substitute Craig Beattie even had the chance to make it four for Albion in the 86th minute, and with the missed chance rued it was a nervous finish for Albion as Forte fired against the bar in the 88th minute.
That nervous end was greatly increased in the 90th minute, as a mistake by Albrechtsen allowed Forte to tee up Paterson for the simplest of goals. Eight minutes of injury time felt like a lifetime for Albion fans who watched in dismay as Robinson hobbled off the field to make way for midfielder Pele. Thankfully this was to be the last of the action however as Albion held their nerve to clinch all three points.
Full Time: Scunthorpe United 2-3 West Bromwich Albion
Crosby 16
Barnett 49
Brunt 60
Teixeira 78
Paterson 90
Attendance: 8,307