By Jemma Tappenden
April 24 2007

Automatic Promotion is already a dead and buried dream at the Hawthorns this season. But with the playoffs still well insight and the weekend's results falling nicely for Albion, could they capitalise on the chance to cement their playoff place at Burnley last night? With 3 games left and Wolves having lost 3-2 to Birmingham City at the weekend, West Brom went into last night's fixture at Burnley knowing 3 points would ease their playoff hopes pressure.

Mowbray was forced to make changes to the side that had seen Albion's fortunes drop over the last few weeks. Chris Perry was recalled to the starting eleven after a 5 month absence, replacing the onlaon and injured Sam Sodje. John Hartson won a place on the bench for the first time in 11 games and Jason Koumas was forced into the midfield to cover for suspended Darren Carter.

It was Albion who took immediate control of the game with plenty of early chances, Gera going the closest within minutes of kickoff. There were flashes of inspiration from Burnley, Ade Akinbiyi narrowly missing a dangerous ball that flashed across the goal. But the Baggies were well on top, and there was more danger for Burnley as Koumas fired a 25 yard shot at keeper Brian Jensen. Albion's fortunes increased in the 7th minute as Nathan Ellington latched onto Zoltan Gera's cross to head into the net with a deflection off Burnley centre half Wayne Thomas. Just a minute later Albion doubled their lead courtesy of Jason Koumas.

West Brom's clean sheet lasted only another 9 minutes, keeper Dean Kiely had his throw to Kamara intercepted by Michael Duff, who found unmarked Andy Gray just outside the box. It was a cool shot to slot past Kiely and the scoreline stood at 2-1 despite ferocious protests from the Albion defence of offside.

Ade Akinbiyi caused trouble for the West Brom defence, but the former Wolves man was kept well under wraps. Despite the goal setback Albion remained clearly on top, with Koumas running the show in midfield. Kamara caused problems for the Burnley defence and was awarded a free kick in a dangerous position just outside the box. Koumas came forward to strike the ball, but saw his shot fly just inches wide of the left hand post.

Just before the break Albion suffered a vital blow. Paul McShane was shown the red card for what looked like nothing more than an innocent clash of heads between himself and former baggie O'Connor. O'Connor was stretchered off with a head injury and replaced with McCann. O'Connors lengthy treatment had left Burnley also down to ten men for a short period of time, and the Baggies capitalised to threaten the Burnley goal again. Their efforts were wasted however and Albion went into the break with a deserved lead.

The loss off McShane however proved vital in the first three minutes of the second half. Burnley exploited their one man advantage, a corner resulting in a goalmouth scramble before Gray fired home from close range. Akinbiyi could have put Burnley ahead just 60 seconds later, but his finish lacked power. There were chances at both ends before Mowbray made changes, Ellington making way for Richard Chaplow. Considering the Baggies had only ten men they held their composure well, and even looked like they may go on to score themselves. But three minutes from time their strength buckled and Burnley sub McCann headed home from a right wing cross. Time had caught Albion out, and Mowbray's battlers conceded that the game and the three points were lost.

Two games to go, and With Wolves and Albion still on equal points both sides must claim six points if they are sure to finish in the playoff spots and avoid the threat from below. It will be a nervy two games, but the plus for both sides is that they still, even at this stage, hold their own fate in their own hands.