Match Reports

Albion v Hull City match report

Dwight Gayle took his tally for the season to 23 goals with a brace as Albion came from behind to see off Hull City 3-2 on Good Friday.

The in-form frontman converted an 85th-minute winner from substitute Jacob Murphy's cross to seal the spoils and make it seven goals in five games, coming hot on the heels of last weekend's hat-trick against Preston North End.

Gayle had earlier headed home Chris Brunt's corner just after the hour mark to level matters, with Tigers right-back Todd Kane having bagged a brace following the interval to put the visitors ahead.

Kieran Gibbs had sent the Baggies into a half-time lead with a superb volley from sub Tosin Adarabioyo's deep swinging cross, registering his fourth of the campaign. 

The victory extends Albion's winning home sequence to four matches under caretaker Head Coach Jimmy Shan, who takes his side to Reading on Easter Monday.

Rekeem Harper and Hal Robson-Kanu were both introduced to the starting XI from the 4-1 victory over Preston, with Jake Livermore and Jay Rodriguez rested.

And it was the hosts who largely dominated the opening quarter, although Jarrod Bowen went closest when he saw his early volley from distance fly narrowly off target.

With Ahmed Hegazi replaced by Adarabioyo after 18 minutes, it was the Tigers who threatened again as Kamil Grosicki's 20-yard strike flashed wide.

After a lull in proceedings, Stefan Johansen tested David Marshall with a low effort before the Baggies took the lead with half-time approaching.

Adarabioyo sent a sweeping first-time cross from the right channel towards the far side of the penalty area, where Gibbs was on hand to volley home an excellent finish into the bottom corner from 12 yards out.

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Yet the visitors were level within three minutes of the restart courtesy of a stinging long-range angled drive from Kane which flew into the net.

Sam Johnstone got down well to deny Bowen in the 57th minute, but he was beaten just shortly afterwards as Kane claimed his second with a cross-come-shot which nestled in the top corner. 

However, City's lead lasted just a matter of minutes as Gayle was unmarked at the back post to head home Brunt's corner.

And, with an inspired Baggies pushing for a winner, Gayle was on hand to pounce from close range and convert Murphy's right-wing cross - securing all three points and all but sealing the club's Play-Off place.

Albion: Johnstone, Dawson, Bartley, Hegazi (Adarabioyo 18), Holgate, Johansen, Brunt (c), Harper (Phillips 62), Gibbs, Robson-Kanu (Murphy 71), Gayle.

Subs: Bond, Townsend, Livermore, Edwards.

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