West Brom VS Fulham - Match Report

By Andy Dengate
September 20 2004

West Brom were searching for their first win of the season, against the team they beat at home last season, good Omen? Lets hope.

The first half was very exciting, Earnshaw played well on his home debut. ‘Earnie’ had a good header early on, forcing a superb save out of the big Dutch keeper, Kanu ran at the ball, and forced a corner.

Earnshaw had another header at goal, which came of the arm of Volz, penalty. Fulham tried to get revenge after when happened to them against Arsenal, crowding around the referee, the only thing Fulham got, was a yellow card.

Earnshaw bravely stepped up to the spot, after Van Der Sar had finally stopped time wasting. Perhaps it went to Earnshaws head, as the ball flew over the crossbar, and sent the following 500 Fulham fans, into hysterics

After half time Fulham started off better, having several chances including one cracking save from Kuszczak.

Fulham were sent down to 10 men, after Diop pushed Purse in the face after Purse stood on Diop’s toes. Red Card. Or was that a bad thing? The Albion never play well against 10 men.

So it showed, Andy Cole fired home to make it 1-0.

Fulham could of made it 2-0 minutes later, as Luis Boe-Morte was one on one with the Baggies keeper, unless Clement or Dyer could get back, Clement did, but he ended up running into Boe-Morte. Red Card, for the last man offence. Andy Cole decided to take matters into his own hands, by punching and swinging at Clement, which was followed by a ‘riot’ of players pushing. Andy Cole, was also shown the red card.

Albion needed that equalizer, and nearly got it through Kanu who’s looping header crashed off the bar, if only it was 5 inches lower.

But it came, Kanu was the scorer, from a corner, he headed the ball past Van Der Sar, and so it finished, 1-1.

Match Rating: 10/10
Ref Rating: 9/10
Man Of The Match: Darren Purse (WBA)