By Stuart Kidson
February 22 2003

A five minute period saw three goals by Fulham sent the 3,500 plus Barmy Army home back up the M40 motorway with heavy hearts after it looked as if the Baggies could have come away from West London with at least a point. Fulham v West Bromwich Albion
Wednesday 19th February 2003

A five minute period saw three goals by Fulham sent the 3,500 plus Barmy Army home back up the M40 motorway with heavy hearts after it looked as if the Baggies could have come away from West London with at least a point. Referee Mr. Uriah Rennie, the Albion's least favourite official, continued the appalling record for failed penalty claims and dubious decisions against the Stars in Stripes. However, despite the numerous charges that could be levelled against the Sheffield referee it was again the Albion's lack of confidence in front of goal that was the real problem.

With Jason Roberts forced to sit this game out through suspension, Lee Hughes was bought back into the starting line-up alongside former Loftus Road favourite Danny Dichio. Expectations were high that either striker would find the back of the net, but as it turned out neither forward had that hunger for goal that was once a trademark of their games.

Hughsie could have sent the noisy travelling support into a frenzy after just five minutes when he chased down a flick on from Dichio, but the Ginger Ninja hit a 15-yard first time volley straight at Maik Taylor in the Fulham goal. Fulham's response came from Japanese World Cup star Junichi Inamoto, who saw his snapped shot hit Phil Gilchrist. Sean Gregan almost helped Fulham open the scoring minutes later when he almost headed a Steve Marlet cross into the path of Louis Saha six yards from the goal line.

The Baggies used the opportunity to break from deep and again Hughsie found himself space in the Fulham area only for his header at the back post to be cleared by former Blues player Steve Finnian.

Jason Koumas set hearts racing amongst the away fans with his mesmerising run round three static Fulham defenders on the edge of the box. His shot however was wasted and just went inches wide of the far upright. The Albion looked to have settled quickest despite the freezing temperatures and kept Fulham firmly on the back foot for long periods of the half. However, on occasion lapses of concentration by the away side almost allowed the Cottagers numerous chances. Neil Clement was caught in possession by Steed Malbranque. He managed to tee up Saha for the shot, but the Fulham forward fluffed his shot and it was Steve Marlet on hand to fire in the loose ball. Darren Moore again came to the rescue and blocked the shot.

Malbranque again caused problems for the Baggies but his shot from wide went the wrong side of the upright and would have been easily dealt with by either Gilly or Houlty who were both on the back post.

Fulham again exploited some sloppy defending by the Baggies with a quick one-two between Sava and Malbranque but the shot by Malbranque went soaring over the crossbar much to the disgust of the better placed Sava. Fulham had started to claw their way back into the game and for the first time applied pressure upon the Albion defence. Martin Djetou was allowed to send a rocket goal bound from 30-yards which forced Houlty into making another fine save and shortly after Gilly was again called upon to clear off the line after Marlet had beaten Houlty to the ball and set up Sava with a free shot at goal.

Albion replied to this pressure when Hughsie was sent hurtling towards goal after Jason Koumas sent an inch perfect ball through the ranks of the Fulham defence for the forward to chase down. Despite holding his nerve until 15-yards from goal, the shot was stopped by Northern Ireland keeper Taylor using his legs.

At half time fans were surprised to see the Baggies sent out early by manager Megson for extra warm-up training.

Controversy never seems to be far away when Albion and Mr. Uriah Rennie meet, and in the seventh minute of the second half the two parties were again at loggerheads when Hughsie was bearing down on the Fulham goal at the away end. As the Albion forward tried to cut inside the substitute defender Abdesalem Ouaddou, he was clipped on the ankles and went down for a clear penalty. Mr. Rennie, in his opinion, felt that Hughsie had dived and waved play on much to the disgust of the packed School End. Despite the admission by referee supremo Philip Don, that officials had cost the Baggies 10 points this season, it looks as though certain members of the organisation that allegedly runs the referees have taken it upon themselves to ignore this.

As ever this season, Albion were forced to grin and bear the decision and get on with matters at hand as Fulham again attacked the Albion goal. Malbranque again tested Houlty when he latched onto a mis-queued header by captain Sean Gregan and hit a stunning left foot volley from the edge of the area. Houlty did well to hold onto the shot. Gregan went some way to evening out the score between the two battlers minutes later when a Malbranque shot was deflected out for a corner.

The nature of the game up until the 78th minute, following Hughsie's substitution, had dictated that there was going to be at least one goal and it was Fulham who managed to break the deadlock when the in-form Malbranque crossed for a diving Saha to head the ball past Houlty to the delight of the home fans.

Straight from the restart Albion went in search of the equaliser and Koumas was again at the heart of the Baggies attack but his 15-yard drive was dealt with by Taylor, and seconds later Fulham were awarded a free kick 25-yards out and again Malbranque was involved when he took the kick short, back to Pierre Wome. His thunderbolt effort sailed as straight as an arrow into the top right hand corner. A magnificent free kick by the Cottagers.

The third goal came two minutes later when Neil Clement was adjudged to have bought down Saha with a push in the area. It looked to be a dubious decision and further viewing on tv replays have confirmed that there was either little or no contact by the Albion man, but Mr. Rennie decided there was sufficient to award a spot kick. Malbranque was rewarded with a goal for his performance throughout the game.

Albion now face a crucial battle with West Ham on Sunday at The Hawthorns to prove to everyone, referees, national press and ITV that they are not in the Premiership to make up the numbers. Comments from other fans around the country seem to indicate that they feel the Baggies have been unlucky during this campaign and deserve a break. The Barmy Army's despair was compounded with the news from Portman Road that the Dingles had won and moved into the play-off positions.

Man of the Match - Jason Koumas

Team: Russell Hoult, Sean Gregan (Captain), Darren Moore, Phil Gilchrist, Adam Chambers, Derek McInnes, Ronnie Wallwork, Jason Koumas, Neil Clement ( 90 ), Danny Dichio ( 80 ), Lee Hughes ( 71 )

Subs: Ifeyani Udeze ( 90 ), Jordao ( 80 ), Scott Dobie ( 71 ), Larus Siggurdson, Joe Murphy