Southampton 3-2 West Bromwich Albion
By Jemma Tappenden
October 7 2007
After losing their 100% home record to Stoke on Wednesday evening, at least the Baggies still had their 6 game unbeaten run to defend. Albion looked to bounce back to winning ways at St Mary's this weekend against a Southampton side that have not enjoyed a decent start to the season.
Zoltan Gera and Chris Brunt returned to Tony Mowbray’s starting eleven, which meant Craig Beattie and James Morrison returned to the bench as the Baggies adopted the same side that grabbed all three points for Albion on their last away day. It was Southampton who enjoyed the early play, and very nearly took the lead when Idiakez struck a low hard 25 yard shot which snuck just past Kiely’s left hand post.
After a period of early pressure the Saints got their just reward in the 17th minute, when Idiakez put the ball through for John who was able to slot home from 10 yards. Just six minutes later Baggies fans were stunned as the hosts doubled their lead. A defensive mix up left a dangerous floating ball on the edge of the area, which Skacel was able to pick up, slotting neatly past Dean Kiely to make it 2-0. Albion were clearly struggling to deal with the lively Idiakez, who had two clear chances to add to the Saints total before Albion finally began to get a hold of the game towards the close of the first half.
West Brom’s first real chance came when Koren found Teixeira just inside the area. Despite beating the Saints defence, Teixeira looked on in angst as his shot was neatly collected by Southampton keeper Kelvin Davis. Albion got themselves a goal in the 33rd minute, the persistence of Ishmael Miller paying off in a struggle with Saints defender Dailly as the ball broke in the six yard box to allow quick reacting Koren to make it 2-1.
In the 39th minute Mowbray might have preferred Carl Hoefkens to aim at goal himself, rather than unselfishly trying to find Miller and losing possession in the process. But Burley’s men were breathing a genuine sigh of relied as the half drew to a close when a Greening free kick allowed an unmarked Leon Barnett a free shot on goal. However Barnett could not repeat his performance against Stoke midweek and blazed over from 12 yards.
Halt Time: Southampton 2-1 West Bromwich Albion
Mowbray made one change at half time, MacDonald replacing a tired Teixeira. Yet despite the fresh legs it was George Burley’s side who threatened first. Phil Ifil swing in a testing free kick which Saganowski converted to force Dean Kiely into a stunning save. Moments later Kiely was forced into action again as Saganowski tested again, this time with a close range header. For a third time in the opening minutes of the half Saganowski closed down on Kiely, this time turning his shot wide of the left post.
Next it was Dyer’s turn to test Kiely, beating Hoefkens to the ball he fired a 20 yard shot at the Albion keeper who thankfully was quick to respond. The early pressure had Albion stunned, but eventually they began to play football and finally had their first chance of the half when Greening found Miller in the box who forced Saints keeper Davis into a fine save. Barnett and Koren missed good chances for Albion, and finally in the 62nd minute they got the equaliser they had been searching for. Miller headed a loose ball forward to find Koren, who did well to hold of the Saints defence and make it 2-2.
It looked as if West Brom might get something from the game after all. But Southampton clearly had different ideas. Just a minute after the equaliser Southampton were awarded a corner. Idiakez provided the ball, and John fired home to restore the Saints lead. Saganowski had the chance to grab a fourth for Southampton, but headed wide from a real goal scoring opportunity.
In the 75th minute Mowbray decided to ring the changes and made a double substitution, Brunt and Gera making way for Morrison and Beattie respectively. But it had little effect on an Albion side that were now looking drained in their 3rd game in seven days. Dyer beat the Baggies defence for pace, but could only place his ball over the bar.
Two minutes from time Albion might have drawn level as a Morrison cross found MacDonald. Leaving Ifil for dead MacDonald raged into the box to set Koren up for his hatrick, only to see him denied by Dailly.
The game closed with a touch of controversy. Ishmael Miller appeared to brought down in the box by Skacel, but referee Pat Miller turned away Albion's penalty claims. Unable to find the goal they needed it finished 3-2 to Southampton. The Baggies travelled back to the Midlands with no points.
Full Time: Southampton 3-2 West Bromwich Albion
Koren (33, 62)
John (17, 64)
Skacel (23)
Attendance: 21,967