Peterborough 0-2 West Brom
By Jemma Tappenden
April 11 2009
After making hard work of the first fixture in this FA Cup 3rd round draw, a replay away from home was needed before the Baggies finally got their name in the hat for the 4th round draw. Filipe Teixeira was given his first start in 10 months, finally putting an end to his injury nightmare. Bednar, Kim and Donk were also handed starts as Moore and Valero dropped to the bench and Olsson rested.

The Posh got off to a decent start, threatening as early as the opening minute after MacKail-Smith teed up Boyd in the box.  But midfielder Kim was hot on the case and stole the ball from the feet of Boyd before he could make the shot.  But it wasn’t long before the visitors threatened goal either. 

Teixeira tested Peterborough keeper Joe Lewis with a low hard drive from 25 yards out and minutes later the returning midfielder was in the thick of it again, this time threading through Bednar, who was thwarted by Lewis as his gathered the ball at the big forwards feet.  In the 7^th minute Greening crossed to the back post where a waiting Leon Barnett headed wide when he should have at least hit the target.

Albion’s defensive frailties were evident even against the League One side, and a moment’s hesitancy from both Barnett and Donk allowed Charlie Lee to lob the stranded Scott Carson, who was relieved to see the ball sail past the upright by just inches.

In the 18^th minute Albion grabbed their first goal when on-loan striker Jay Simpson controlled Bednar’s lay off well to curl a cracking shot into the right hand corner from 25 yards.  Darren Ferguson’s side did their best to reply immediately, as Boyd tried his luck from a similar position to Simpson.  But his effort sailed comfortably into the arms of Scott Carson. 

In the 26^th minute a Hoefkens cross was palmed into the path of Bednar by Lewis.  But the Albion front man failed to get any real connection on the ball, and looped it straight back into the hands of the grateful Posh keeper. 

Albion had been pressing for a second goal, and in the 37^th minute it duly arrived.  Teixeira’s free kick was cleared only as far as Kim, who crossed to the back post for Paul Robinson to head home to put Albion 2-0 up.  Bednar had a golden chance to make it 3 in the 42^nd minute, but flashed his effort over the bar from Koren’s pass.

Peterborough enjoyed some pressure as the half drew to a close.  Carson was forced into a fine one handed save from Martin’s curling free kick in the first minute of stoppage time, and just moments later Carson intervened again – punching the ball clear when Morgan’s header looked a certainty to pull a goal back for the home side.

Half Time: Peterborough United 0-2 West Bromwich Albion

Albion were first to threaten after the break after Teixeira looked to have set up Simpson.  But keeper Lewis was on hand to make the save.  Minutes later it was Carson that was called into action as he saved at the feet at MacKail-Smith after Boyd had centred from the wing.

In the 56^th minute Simpson carved open the Posh defence with an inch perfect pass to Teixeira, who forced a good save from Lewis.  Kim tried his luck next with a ferocious volley which was just inches wide of the target.

In the 64^th minute Carson parried away Lee’s fierce drive, and Donk managed to clear just in the nick of time to prevent Aaron McLean from pouncing on the loose ball.  A minute later Teixeira was exchanged for Dorrans after completing a successful 65 minute come back.  Eight minutes after coming on the West Brom sub was in with a chance, but his shot lacked the power to trouble Lewis. 

Seven minutes from time Dorrans set up fellow sub Craig Beattie for a shot on goal, and he did well to come so close from a tight angle.  Moments later Beattie was causing the Posh defence more trouble, but Lewis was able to block at his feet before he could get the shot in.

It proved to be the last action of the half, as the game drew to a close and Albion cruised to a 2-0 victory and a place in the 4^th round draw.

Full Time: Peterborough United 0-2 West Bromwich Albion

Simpson (18)

Robinson (37)

Attendance: 10,735

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