Aston Villa

REPORT: Aston Villa 2-1 West Brom – Advantage Villa as ten man Baggies have it all to do at the Hawthornes.

IT’S advantage Aston Villa after the first leg of their Championship Play-Off Semi-Final against West Brom.

Villa will go the Hawthornes on Tuesday night with a 2-1 lead and West Brom will be missing Dwight Gayle who was sent off for two bookable offences in the closing stages.

Dean Smith took away the cotton wool and brought back his stars. McGinn and Grealish returned for Villa as did Tammy Abraham, while Matt Phillips returned for the visitors.

The hosts started the game the brighter, Jack Grealish getting stuck in right from the off, he was fouled by Johansen early on. Villa nearly took the lead from a short corner, hitting the visitors off guard. John McGinn’s ball was short to Grealish who crossed for Glenn Whelan but his header was over.

West Brom themselves came close. After a breakdown in communication between Neil Taylor and Jed Steer., the keeper then pulled off an outstanding save to deny Rodriguez tipping the strikers effort onto the bar.

The visitors would not be denied much longer however, a poor pass from Jack Grealish was matched by an equally poor touch from Glenn Whelan and Dwight Gayle was away, he charged forward and struck from outside the box past Jed Steer who had no chance and the Baggies had the lead.

The closet Villa came to a first half response was a tame effort from Tyrone Mings which was easily saved by Sam Johnstone. Villa’s keeper in last seasons play-off final final.

Half Time: Asron Villa 0-1 West Brom

Just as in the first half Villa started the better. The first chance came for them. McGinn’s was gifted the opportunity to shoot but his shot was off target.

Villa crafted the next opportunity, this time Adomah did well and drove forward with Abraham who forced the save from Johnstone with his legs. Just moments later Abraham has another opportunity. The ball from El Ghazi was a good one but Abraham headed wide.

West Brom were looking dangerous from set-pieces and again went close, delivery from Brunt fell to Bartley who was free but he was unable to convert.

They would regret that as moments later the Holte End was rising. Jack Grealish did well and set up Conor Hourihane who struck a stunning effort from outside the straight into the far corner to bring the hosts level.

And just four minutes later they were in front. Jack Grealish ghosted past Gibbs who went to sleep. He then brought  down Grealish and Villa had penalty. Tammy Abraham stood up and converted into the corner to give the hosts the lead.

Things went from bad too worse for Jimmy Shan’s side. Dwight Gayle was shown a second yellow card for a challenge on Villa keeper Jed Steer which looked harsh, but he will miss the second leg and West Brom will have it all to do on Tuesday night.

 

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