West Brom 1-1 Peterborough
By Jemma Tappenden
January 30 2009
Mowbray made 2 forced changes for this 3rd round FA Cup fixture. Robert Koren and Carl Hoefkens replacing the injured James Morrison and Gianni Zuiverloon. Loan signing Jay Simpson from Arsenal was named on the substitutes bench. Albion overcame Peterborough at this stage in the competition last year.

The opening to the game was scrappy, and it was the baggies that enjoyed the lions share of possession.  Despite this however goal chances had been few and far between, and they had never really troubled keeper Lewis.

 

In the 13^th minute Chris Brunt went close with a 20 yard effort after he had exchanged clever passes with Roman Bednar.  In the 17^th minute a punch from keeper Lewis missed the ball completely, and Brunt’s in swinging corner fell just short of reaching the target.

 

Peterborough created their first effort in the 20^th minute, Mackail-Smith out-muscling Leon Barnett before pacing into the box and releasing a 15 yard effort which rebound off the bar.  Albion continued to press the League One opposition, Craig Morgan pulling off a superb block to prevent Valero’s ball fining its way through to Luke Moore.

 

United recorded the first shot of target of the game, Mclean unleashing a ferocious 12 yard effort which Carson did well to save.  Albion then produced their best effort of the game up until this point, in the 41^st minute, Valero coming just inches from scoring with a flash header.

 

It was the Posh that had the final chance of the half, Whelpdale cutting in from the right wing but saw his low range effort well held by Carson.

 

Half Time: West Bromwich Albion 0-0 Peterborough United

 

At half time new boy Jay Simpson made an appearance at the expense of Koren.  The half got off to a slow start, but Albion produced a good chance in the 55^th minute through Luke Moore.   He controlled Brunt’s high ball in the area but lost his balance slightly as he pulled the trigger.

 

Greening forced the keeper into an amazing save next, as his volley from the edge of the area was well on target.  Simpson gathered the rebound and smashed it goal bound, bringing a large section of the Hawthorns to its feet as they hadn’t seen Lewis smother the ball on the line.

 

Albion finally broke the deadlock in the 64^th minute after a period of sustained pressure.  Olsson towered high above the Peterborough defence to head home.  But in the 68^th minute, a far from despondent United side gave Albion a real scare.  Boyd provided the perfect cross and somehow Mackail-Smith failed to connect to the ball with any force and the chance went begging.

 

The game entered a dull spell before Darren Ferguson’s men grabbed a dramatic 87^th minute equaliser.  This time Mackail-Smith made no mistake in tucking the ball away.

 

Full Time: West Bromwich Albion 1-1 Peterborough United

 

Olsson (64)

 

Mackail-Smith (87)

 

Attendance:  18,659

View a Printer Friendly version of this Story.