By Craig Jeavons
August 17 2003

Hughes bagged his first 2 league goals for albion since returning from coventry with another from Hulse and a belter from Sakiri. After the poor performance last week The Baggies have got to get some points out of this clash with Burnley who now own The Beast.
Dobie nearly scored within the first 2 minutes of the game. If Dobie could have been a bit quicker he would have probably scored but he let the defence get the better of him. Burnley then got on the attack tried a shot but it was an easy shot for the skipper to save. Clement tried to deliver later on in the game but it was easy for Burnley to keep out of their net.
Gaardsoe playing well to keep the ball in the Burnley’s half. Jason Koumas handballed the ball in the centre circle as the keeper launched the ball up to the WBA half. Brian Jensen ‘ The Beast ‘ saved the free kick and cleared it as soon as possible.

After 15 minutes still no goals at the Hawthorns. Scott Dobie could have had another shot on goal but he keeps getting beaten to the ball to easily.
Burnley was on the attack from Kamari. A free kick had been given to
Burnley as the Albion fans start singing in the stands.
A yellow card was distributed to Jason Koumas as he brought the Burnley attacker down to the ground. A free kick from Blake gives Grant a chance to head the ball into Albion's net from the free kick but he misses to go wide of the post. Hulse fouled on the edge of the area and Koumas to take the free kick that went over the Crossbar. The score still 0-0 at 25 minutes.

Free kick to West Brom and Koumas to take again which was on target but to easy for Jensen to save. 1-0 to Burnley as Hoult dived down but it swerved and hit off Hoult, it was a bad mistake from the keeper but 30 seconds later as shot from Albion hit the side netting. Kamari booked for taking a player down from behind. Koumas again took the free kick but it was cleared quickly. Gaardsoe took a free kick towards Hulse but Branch won the ball.

The Macedonian international didn't leave much time for Burnley to hold the glory as Artim Sakiri took the best goal you would see this weekend! But Burnley back on the attack that fast the defenders were surprised as it was cleared off the line then it finally hit Russell Hoults post. It goes to show what goals can do to the game. 35 minutes into the game still 1 a piece. Sakiri tried to thread it through to Hulse but he just couldn’t get it to him.

Corner to West Brom to be taken by Artim Sakiri but it went over the Albion strikers heads, he could have made it 2. Corner to Burnley a shot was tried on Hoult but he was there waiting to receive the shot. Lee Hughes is warming up most probably for the second half now. 1 minute of stoppage time, Albion on the attack but Dobie looses it by trying to run through Burnley’s defence.

Half Time 1-1

The second half underway, Artim Sakiri tried to make something happen with Hulse but it wasn’t happening at that time of play. The second half starting as sour as the first while we await another goal. Scott Dobie had a great ball but there was nobody in the box for him to cross it to. Lee Hughes awaiting to come on who take the place of Scott Dobie. Koumas had a corner which was cleared as far as Sakiri which was then picked up by Koumas.

Jensen punched out the shot on goal from the corner. Lee Hughes brought on for a chance on goal in Division One. Albion defence awake at this point in the game. Foul on James O’ Connor free kick to Albion. Sakiri with the free kick poorly taken trying to take a shot from almost the half way line. Lee Hughes playing well so far.

West Brom looking the better side. Corner from Koumas creates the second goal from The Baggies with Hulse the goal scorer who had his head up all the way which is what all strikers should be like. Lee Hughes on the attack and Rob Hulse took a shot but they watched it pass ‘The Beast’ but then hit the post and bounced back out into the keepers arms. 2-1 to West Brom 1/4 of the way into the second half of the game. Joe Murphy warming up for no apparent reason because Hoult has dealt with most things really well. Some fresh legs in the middle coming on, Johnson for the Superstar Artim Sakiri. Koumas on the run but he didn’t see Clement the run into the box.

James Chambers playing well back in defence in place of Gregan who injured his foot at home. Keeping the penalty box clear of the ball along with Joost Bolmer. Albion are looking an excellent team as the clock is approaching the 30minute mark of the second half. Burnley playing well to try and get the equaliser they need to get 1 point on the board. Dichio warming up alongside Phil Gilchrist on the side of the pitch.

8 minutes to go its still 2-1. Gilchrist comes on for Jason Koumas. James Chambers comes to the rescue again but hurts himself, a brave attempt to clear the ball from his own half. Chambers has moved forward to midfield as there is 4minutes left + stoppage time. Haas made a silly mistake by letting go of the ball and gives Burnley a throw in. Lee Hughes scores a goal in the top left hand corner. The ’Ginger Ninja’ sets the Brummie road end alight. Not even a minute after the first Lee Hughes has scored another one which makes Albion up 4-1vwell done to the Ninja. ‘Hughsey is back Hughsey is back’ the crowed sing. Lee Hughes is now awaiting his hatrick up at the front with 3 minutes added time to go.


Full time whistle blown 4-1 Albion what a brilliant score-line.