Stoke City 3 West Bromwich Albion1
Albion crashed to a heavy defeat as their Stoke hoodoo continued this afternoon courtesy of a Ricardo Fuller hat-trick.
The Jamaican international made the most of some wide open Baggies defending to give his side a 2-0 lead at half-time.
And he effectively wrapped up the victory with 23 minutes left when he completed his treble by catching Albion on the break as they hunted a lifeline.
Roman Bednar continued his fine scoring run since making his Albion debut with his sixth goal in as many starts 16 minutes from the final whistle.
But Bednar’s late header was only ever likely to be a consolation goal as the Baggies paid the price for some poor defending, particularly before half-time.
Tony Mowbray’s side put their hosts under intense pressure early in the second half but it was too late as they were already fighting a losing battle.
The defeat means Albion’s hunt for a victory at Stoke will stretch into a 26th year.
The afternoon could not have begun in a worse manner for the Albion fans who battled through heavy M6 traffic to see their side fall behind as early as the fifth minute.
Fuller got the better of Bostjan Cesar before firing Stoke ahead although the Baggies were convinced the striker had handled the ball in the buildup.
There was no dispute over the second goal which arrived seven minutes before half-time as Albion failed to clear a right wing free kick from Liam Lawrence.
The ball found Fuller beyond the far post and he blasted home his second.
Kevin Phillips and Ishmael Miller were introduced at half-time and they sparked a spirited offensive from the visitors for the first 22 minutes of the second half.
But it was all over when Stoke caught the Baggies on the break with Fuller sliding home a precise shot to complete his hat-trick.
Bednar headed home with 16 minutes left from a cross by substitute Martin Albrechtsen but Albion could not avoid starting Christmas with a defeat.
And now the 'Have your say' bit resplendent with some whinging bastards:dave said: Dec 22nd, 2007 at 6:59 pm we got battered today
fuller is quality,a real top-class player
we need a player like him i believe, someone with real pace and strength, miller has that but he never passes and does too much all the time
give me ricardo fuller anyday
Russ Stoke said: Dec 22nd, 2007 at 7:22 pm How about putting in your report something to the effect of Stoke do play football and Fuller’s third goal was magnificent.
Do you know how much you have riled the Stoke support and club with the comments on your local radio and press about us subsequent to the game earlier in the year.
We accept that Albion have some fantastic individuals but we know who has the better team.
baggies said: Dec 22nd, 2007 at 7:39 pm cum on lads lets beat bristol, stoke are our bogey side and we will never beat um, least we can beat a bunch of foxes
essex baggy said: Dec 22nd, 2007 at 9:32 pm long way to go fellas
Baggie said: Dec 22nd, 2007 at 10:53 pm Hey russ stoke are the scumiest jamiest team ever as soon as they score they put 10 men behind the ball ur first goal was handball
xtrmntr said: Dec 22nd, 2007 at 10:59 pm why don’t referees penalise stromg arm tactics? teams like stoke may get promoted via the playoffs but the premier league sorts them out immediately - derby this year, watford last. we need the refs to stop teams like stoke from employing these tactics and maybe the championship/premiership gulf will get a bit closer
Put a comment here:
www.expressandstar.com/2007/12/22/stoke-v-albion-report/
