After starting early and enjoying a few beers and spread on the Baggies Barge it was on to The Hawthorns for Albion’s final game of a successful season. RDM continued with Simon Cox in midfield for the fourth game running supporting Roman Bednar in attack. Ishmael Miller was also recalled to the subs’ bench after his alleged altercation with Jonas Olsson.
The First Half
As expected Darren ‘Big Dave’ Moore was given a loud cheer when announced in the starting XI for the visitors then a standing ovation as Albion attacked the Birmingham Road End for the first half.
After Butterfield had fired wide for the visitors inside the first three minutes, Jonas Olsson had Albion’s first effort on target nodding a Graham Dorrans corner wide. Despite the wide open nature of the game neither team really fashioned any chances with Brunt and Bednar both failing to hit the target when presented with opportunities.
The party atmosphere inside The Hawthorns returned with the introduction of the ‘Sandwell Wave’ which was far more entertaining than the football on show. To be honest it seemed that the majority of our players were already thinking about their summer holidays than finding away past Darren Moore in the Barnsley defence.
In a rare first half attack for Albion Chris Brunt floated over a corner which Roman Bendar did well to flick on at the near post. However the chance was wasted when Steven Reid could only head the ball against the back of Simon Cox instead of finding the target from six yards!
The Second Half
Anybody who thought Albion would come out of the blocks firing on all cylinders were unfortunately wrong as the Baggies again failed to create any clear-cut chances. However Roman Bednar surely should have squared for Graham Dorrans when both were presented against Darren Moore. Instead the ball sailed into the Smethwick End along with a series of groans.
It was Barnsley which took the lead minutes later when Colace was given the freedom of the penalty area when left unmarked after a chipped free-kick. On reflection it was a terrible piece of defending with Carson seemingly letting the ball roll over his foot!
The goal brought Albion to life as Roberto Di Matteo’s men pushed forward in search of an equaliser. A hatful of half-chances came Albion’s way before former Baggies ‘keeper Luke Steele made a fantastic save from Robert Koren as the World Cup bound midfielder cut inside and fired a left foot effort towards the goal. A fantastic save from Steele.
Miller, Olsson, Brunt and Koren all missed chances for the Baggies as it seemed it’d be one of those days in front of goal. The later miscuing an effort horribly wide from 12 yards when presented with an easy chance.
With two minutes remaining Dorrans found Bednar out wide and made his way to the middle. This time however the striker crossed for the midfielder to calmly slot home his 18th goal of a fantastic season. The goal saw a pitch invasion with the referee deciding enough was enough.
On Reflection
Who cares? Albion promoted. Job done. Thank you very much Roberto Di Matteo and all his players. Great to give Big Dave a proper send off as well.