By Stuart Kidson
August 27 2003

The Boing Boing Baggies traveled down the M1 today for their fixture against Watford at Vicarage Road. The same fixture last January in the F.A. Cup saw the then Premiership new boys soundly beaten by The Hornets Watford v West Bromwich Albion

Vicarage Road, Saturday 23rd August 2003



The Boing Boing Baggies traveled down the M1 today for their fixture against Watford at Vicarage Road. The same fixture last January in the F.A. Cup saw the then Premiership new boys soundly beaten by The Hornets in what can only be described as a woeful performance. Could The Stars in Stripes make it three out of three following wins against Brentford in the Carling Cup and Burnley in the league?



Gary Megson surprised the traveling support with his team selection by keeping Artim Sakiri and Jason Koumas on the bench and starting with Sean Gregan and Andy Johnson. No surprises up front with last week’s two goal hero Lee Hughes being preferred instead of Scott Dobie.



The early pressure came from the home side following a clumsy challenge by Bernt Haas on Helgusson which resulted in a free kick for The Hornets. Neil Ardley sent over a pacey ball which caused nervousness within the Baggies defence and Helgusson sent his header just wide of the visitor’s goal. Albion were called upon to defend another free kick from the same area minutes later but Russell Hoult dealt with the threat, moving with confidence off his line to collect the ball.



Albion pressed forward and Hughes held off challenges from Marcus Gayle to roll a short ball back to James O’Connor. The summer signing from Stoke City sent over his cross which was met by the head of Johnson but Alex Chamberlain in the Watford goal managed to punch the ball clear despite pressure from Baggies striker Rob Hulse. The resultant corner was almost put away by Thomas Gaardsoe who was unmarked at the back post, but his effort sailed just over the crossbar.



A Neil Clement free kick was dealt with comfortably by Chamberlain and Watford began to apply the pressure on the Baggies defence. A deep cross from Robinson bounced free in the Albion area but Gregan used his strength to hold off all attempts by Webber before Haas managed to clear Albion’s lines. Hughes was called upon to defend at times as The Hornets pressed ever harder as the ball rarely left the Albion half of the pitch. Hoult, who despite the constant barrage against the Albion defence, had not been really tested was able to produce a quality save when he intercepted a cross from Ardley and pushed the ball around the post for a corner.



Albion made a rare foray into the Watford half and had a penalty decision turned down by referee Mr. P. Armstrong after Hulse had been bought down by Gayle whilst attempting to control a pass from Gregan in the Watford box. Gregan was again involved at the opposite end when he made a superbly judged interception to sneak the ball almost from the head of Helgusson as the striker moved in unmarked for what would have been a clear header on goal.



It came as little surprise that changes were made at half time by Megson and Adam Chambers made way for Koumas during the break in an attempt to produce more of an attacking threat. However, it was the home side who started strongest and they almost capitalized on an error by Clement which allowed Ardley to send over a low cross which was cleared by Gaardsoe. Hughes found himself offside minutes later as he ran to pick up a flick from Hulse.



Watford tormented the Baggies with their set pieces throughout the game and almost took the lead following a corner which found an unmarked Gayle but O’Connor was able to block the attempt on the line before clearing the danger. Minutes later Albion’s first real chance off the afternoon came when Johnson released an early ball to Hughes who sent a first time pass into clear space for Koumas to race onto from just inside the Watford half. The mercurial midfielder raced towards goal but slipped as he attempted to sell a dummy to the oncoming Chamberlain and Watford were able to clear.



Minutes later the traveling support were sent into raptures as the Ginger Ninja made it three goals in two games for his beloved Albion. A corner by Clement found the Watford defence in disarray. Johnson’s shot was blocked but the ball bounced favourably for Hughes to pounce and head home past Chamberlain from close range.



Hughes was again involved minutes later as the Baggies looked to extend their lead when he burst clear only for Hulse to be ruled offside.



Watford now stepped up their efforts trying to get something from the afternoon for all of their hard work, but Joost Volmer and Gaardsoe made some very important challenges inside their own area to deny the home side. Gayle came close with a fierce shot but it sailed harmlessly over the bar.



Dobie made an appearance when he replaced Hughes but it was Watford’s substitute, Fitzgerald who looked likely to make a difference to the game when his well struck shot deflected off Clement for a corner. The flag kick almost evened the scores as Webber let fly with a thunderous shot which was somehow blocked by O’Connor on the line and saw the Albion player sent reeling into his own net. Fortunately the ball did not cross the line and Gaardsoe managed to clear the danger.



Hulse sent pulses racing when his mis-hit clearance fell to Hyde on the edge of the box but his shot went wide of the mark. Danny Dichio came on for Hulse. Hoult held a free kick from Watford’s other substitute Hand before Dichio went agonisingly close with a header that went inches wide.



Albion rode their luck this afternoon and were fortunate to come away with a victory from this match, but with Wolves going down 4 – 0 to Charlton at The Molineux and the Baggies stealing an undeserved three points from the game I doubt if there would be an unhappy baggies fan anywhere tonight.



Man of the Match – Sean Gregan



Watford : Chamberlain, Doyley, Cox, Gayle, Robinson, Ardley, Hyde, Mahon, Webber, Dyer, Helgusson

Subs : Dyche, Lee, Hand, Fitzgerald, Cook



Albion : Hoult, Gaardsoe, A. Chambers, Volmer, Haas, O’Connor, Johnson, Gregan, Clement, Hulse, Hughes

Subs : Dichio, Dobie, Koumas, Sakiri, Murphy