RECORD signing Salomon Rondon fired West Brom to victory after they had found managerless Bristol City a tough nut to crack.
 |
| Salomon Rondon celebrates scoring West Brom's winning goal against Bristol City at Ashton Gate |
The £12million Venezuelan scored his first FA Cup goal seven minutes into the second half to settle West Brom nerves on a tricky night at a freezing Ashton Gate.
It was Rondon’s fourth goal for the Baggies since his summer move from Zenit St Petersburg.
And it broke the stubborn resistance of Bristol City, who had sacked boss Steve Cotterill since earning a 2-2 draw at the Hawthorns to set up this replay.
West Brom threatened first when James McClean forced his way through two challenges on the left. His shot found the side netting and failed to test Bristol keeper Max O’Leary, who was making his full debut. The home side started confidently, though, despite stand-in management duo John Pemberton and Wade Elliott leaving out several regular starters.
A powerful run by Bobby Reid was halted by Victor Anichebe before Scott Wagstaff found space on the left flank but crossed straight at West Brom keeper Ben Foster.
Then the hosts should have taken the lead when Wes Burns burst on to a fine through-ball by Reid and found himself one-on-one with Foster. The winger dragged his shot wide.
There was a blow for the visitors when defender Chris Brunt was forced off injured in the 17th minute, to be replaced by Sebastien Pocognoli.
West Brom had the next effort at goal when a diagonal ball from Gareth McAuley was cleared as far as Craig Gardner, who sent a left-footed half-volley just wide.
West Brom striker Victor Anichebe then did likewise at the end of a similar move. Anichebe tried his luck again six minutes from half-time with a shot on the turn from the edge of the area that flew just wide.
The visitors should have led two minutes later when Gardner’s volley into the ground sat up for McAuley, who headed over the bar from five yards.
West Brom could have scored early in the second half when Stephane Sessegnon’s through-ball found Anichebe. But the striker went too wide and failed to trouble O’Leary.
Pocognoli then sent a left-footed free-kick just wide from 25 yards before Rondon gave the Baggies the lead in the 52nd minute with a calm finish.
He chested down a cross from Craig Dawson and kept his composure to poke the ball past O’Leary from six yards out.
 |
| Rondon tucking the past the helpless Bristol keeper in the FA Cup third round replay |
Bristol City were stunned but should have levelled through Aaron Wilbraham. The striker rose highest to meet a Burns cross but headed over.
The home side almost drew level when Burns hit a powerful shot that looked to be arrowing into the bottom corner. But Dawson got a crucial touch to turn it round the post.
Pulis said: “We’re pleased. We picked a strong team because I’ve got tremendous respect for the FA Cup and it was important we had a good attitude.
“The pitch was difficult and it got worse as the game went on. But the players’ attitude was first class and overall I think we deserved to win the game.
“I was brought up in the 60s and 70s when the FA Cup was very special and I still think it’s the greatest cup competition in the world.
“I have been lucky enough to take another club to Wembley and I would love to take Albion to Wembley.”
Pemberton said: “I thought it was quite tight and experience told in the end. I told our lads if they want to get out of the position we’re in we could take a leaf out of their book because they are so well organised.
“They don’t make too many mistakes and they had one chance and took it.”
BRISTOL CITY (4-3-3): O’Leary; Little (Ayling 78), Flint, Baker, Williams; Reid, Pack, Freeman (Kodjia 66); Burns, Wilbraham, Wagstaff (Agard 85).
WEST BROM (4-4-2): Foster; Dawson, McAuley, Evans, Brunt (Pocognoli 17); Sessegnon, Gardner, Yacob, McClean; Rondon (Chester 87), Anichebe (Lambert 90). Booked: Yacob.
Goal: Rondon 52.
Referee: J Moss (West Yorks).
Post a Comment Blogger Facebook Disqus