MATCH 1605 - Monday, 18 May 2015

SEASON:  2014/15
ENGLISH FA PREMIERSHIP
Venue:  The Hawthorns

WEST BROMWICH ALBION   3   CHELSEA   0

Scorers: Berahino (2); Brunt

Our first visit to The Hawthorns!  Travelled down on Virgin Trains to Birmingham New Street from Glasgow for a tenner thanks to offer on Megabus.  The stadium is only 10 minutes from Birmingham city centre by train or metro.  We got the connection to The Hawthorns station from Moor Street on London Midland trains, four an hour up to six o'clock but note this goes down to two later on.  The Hawthorns station is only five minutes from the ground.

A McDonalds is conveniently placed across from the north-east corner of the stadium - ideal for families.  It's very busy but service is swift.

Away side arrive at the West Stand side (Halfords Lane).

Halfords Lane

We were in the East Stand near to the away fans section.  

East Stand

The ground is pretty smart with navy seats in all four sides with three big imposing one tier stands and the West Stand which is much smaller in size to the rests of the ground.  The stadium is enclosed and all stands are tight to the pitch making for a terrific atmosphere particularly when the home side are on form.

West Stand

Smethwick End Stand

Birmingham Road End Stand

As for the football Chelsea arrived as champions but it was West Brom who took all the honours on the night.  Gaining an early lead and once Febregas was sent off during a heated first half they never looked back.

Line ups

Kick off

Early action

WBA corner

WBA on the offensive

Second half

Fans divide

Home fans celebrate No. 3

On pitch celebrations

The great divide

All in all West Brom's Hawthorns is a great matchday experience.

Personal note:  91st ground.  2nd WBA game.  7th Chelsea game.