West Bromwich Albion v. Preston North End (26 Dec) [R]

[DevilDave]

Sorry, this thread is tardy as per usual. I hope all of my fellow Baggies and BigSoccer members had a very merry Christmas.

Today's Boxing Day fixture is as massive as it comes for Albion... it's a chance to earn points against one of the top clubs in the division. We were unable to turn over PNE at Deepdale earlier this season, but we had held their potentially dangerous attack to one goal in a 1-0 defeat there. If we hope to get closer to Preston and the other clubs above us, three points at home this afternoon and Saturday against Ipswich are vital.

[DevilDave]

Unfortunately I've got work on this Boxing Day and am unable to listen to the second half. :( It's apparent from the first half, however, that Albion's definitely got a chance to win this game. Some good stuff so far, especially from the goal-scorers Koumas and Kamara.

Our old friend Danny Dichio lost his head and swung an elbow at our young Irishman Paul McShane, and so has been sent off. Unfortunate for him, but with Preston down to 10 we must not squander this lead!

COME ON YOU BAGGIES!

[DevilDave]

It would appear that I missed quite a display in the second half. Nugent got PNE level, but The Duke gave us two more to give us this important home win.

We're now in sixth place in the table. We remain 12 points behind Blues, but we've narrowed the gap between ourselves and Preston to just four points. It would appear that we're moving in the right direction, but we need prove that by thrashing Ipswich again and winning at Southend Utd. on New Year's Day.