Peterborough United 0-3 West Bromwich Albion
By Jemma Tappenden
January 26 2008
After a dramatic replay against Charlton Athletic in the third round, Albion were hoping for a much more clear cut result away at Peterborough United in the fourth round. Injury to Ishmael Miller meant that once again the Baggies would see a different strike force, and with Mowbray choosing to rest his and the Championships top scorer Phillips, it was Beattie and Bednar that started upfront.
Kevin Phillips was however placed on the bench. Paul Robinson made an immediate return to the starting eleven after finishing his suspension and Morrison and Cesar also earned first team recalls.
Darren Ferguson’s Posh side were hoping for a cup upset, and they got off to a bright start giving the Baggies an early scare. Aaron McLean very nearly powered his way through to goal after being in the right place at the right time to pick up a corner ball. But Morrison was alert for Albion, and cleared the danger from inside the six yard box.
Clearly eager to impress their Championship opposition, Posh hearts sank as Albion struck an 8th minute goal to take an early lead. Teixeira produced a marvellous flick over the head of Charlie Lee inside the penalty area which landed nicely for Craig Beattie. Unsure of whether he was shooting or crossing the bizarrely angled ball fell nicely for Bednar, who made no mistake in hammering the ball home.
There was worse news for Peterborough just six minutes later, when goal grabbing Albion scored their second. Beattie once again the play maker stole a ball into Morrison to release him on goal. Morrison’s cross was touched onto the post by Posh’s Joe Lewis, requiring only a tap in from Beattie to net the second. But somehow Beattie missed the rebound, which was mopped up nicely by Robert Koren who made no mistake in stabbing the ball home.
Peterborough might have found a response in the 18th minute. George Lloyd crossed the ball from the left to find the head of Craig MacKail-Smith, whose header was blocked by Cesar to a chorus of home fans protesting that Albion’s Slovenian defender had used his hands in the process. But the referee waved away any claims of a penalty.
The Baggies showed their true top of the Championship class in the 26th minute, Koren using the outside of his right foot to produce a delightful pass which played in Beattie. The Striker was unlucky to have his low hard strike saved from within the box, after the Peterborough goalie Lewis had spilled on his first attempt he quickly made up for his error on the second.
In the 28th minute the Posh had two decent chances to get back into the game. Dean Keats took a quick freekick which teed up Lee nicely. But Kiely was on-call to produce a fine save, tipping his super 25 yard strike over the bar. Chance number two came from the resulting corner. Craig Morgan letting rib a fierce goal bound shot. This time Morrison was in place to clear off the line.
Teixeira should have grabbed a third for Albion in first half stoppage time, Robinson had found him with a perfectly crafted left wing cross. But Teixeira could only head wide of the target from 10 yards out.
Half Time: Peterborough United 0-2 West Bromwich Albion
At half time Tony Mowbray decided it was time to introduce 16 goal hitman Kevin Phillips. Roman Bednar was the man making way. The second half started with Peterborough on the attack, and Ferguson’s men had a golden opportunity in the 53rd minute when McLean produced a fine 20 yard strike which looked to all to have Kiely well and truly beat. But somehow the veteran keeper proved why he has no need to retire just yet, and made a stunning full stretched save to tip the ball away.
Despite their best efforts the Posh were well and truly beaten by the 57th minute. Beattie had flicked the ball on to captain Jonathan Greening, who burst into the Peterborough box only to be tripped by Morgan. Referee Jonathan Moss pointed to the spot immediately, and in an extra blow to Ferguson’s men Morgan was red carded for his challenge. Substitute Kevin Phillips made no mistake in stepping up to hit home his 17th goal of the season.
Down, but by no means down hearted, Peterborough continued to press Albion. Lee provided an awkward cross which Keats got a head to. Kiely continued his good form to keep a clean sheet. In the 64th minute Mowbray made another change, bringing Chris Brunt on for Greening.
In the 70th minute a Teixeira cross caused Peterborough problems, but Beattie who really should have got his header on target missed, allowing the tiring Posh defence a breather.
It proved to be the last chance of any real substance for either side, as the remaining 20 minutes petered out with a series of half chances. In the end, Championship West Brom proving just too much for League Two’s Peterborough United.
Full Time: Peterborough United 0-3 West Bromwich Albion.
Bednar (8)
Koren (15)
Phillips (58 pen)
Attendance: 12,701