Cardiff v West Brom - Last time they met
By Jemma Tappenden
April 1 2008
If you had told either sets of these two fans back in January when they last met in the league that this forthcoming weekend they would both have been playing FA Cup semi finals, the response would most likely have been one of humour. But fans will be trying to push any thoughts of a day at Wembley out of their minds tonight, as both sides prepare to pick up vital points.
The last time these two sides met in January, a high score draw keep fans entertained in the winter winds.
The Baggies will be hoping for a better start tonight though, they found themselves a goal down after only just 29 seconds last time. A nasty deflection from a Parry shot was enough to wrong foot Dean Kiely in goal and give the Bluebirds an early lead.
Albion then found themselves two goals down after 33 minutes when a long ball by Blake was nicely flicked on by Hasselbaink to Parry, who showed real skill against Pele to slot home from a tight angle.
The two goal deficit was enough to shock Albion into action, and just sixty seconds later they pulled a goal back, the inform Roman Bednar providing a simple header at the back post from a floating Pele free kick.
Albion went into the half time break still behind, and seven minutes into the second half Cardiff restored their two goal advantage. A quickly taken Brunt freekick suddenly turned into a Bluebirds attack and Parry neatly picked out Joe Ledley who was able slot the ball past Kiely and into the bottom right corner.
In the 72nd minute Phillips had a stunning header cleared off the line by Oakes after he had connected with a Brunt leftwing corner. Unable to hold on to the ball, Morrison picked the loose ball up and directed a cross into the box which Albrechtsen was able to convert from 12 yards to make in 2-3 with just over 15 minutes left to play.
With 3 minutes left to play the Albion pressure paid off, although with unfortunate consequences for Cardiff. Beginning to think they would leave the Hawthorns with all three points Bluebirds fans watched in horror as Gera played the ball in and one of their own players, Johnson provided the final touch that looped the ball over Oakes’ head and into the goal for the Albion equaliser.
A win for Albion tonight would see them move to second in the table, their goal difference enough to ensure Stoke City slip to third. A win for Cardiff could see them move 10th, but they will need a two goal advantage to replace Burnley, the current occupiers of that spot. A draw does little for either side, and would see West Brom stay third, and Cardiff 12th respectively.
