In one of the most surprising results of the Carabao Cup, Championship side West Bromwich Albion were stunned by League Two outfit Fleetwood Town, losing 2-1 at The Hawthorns. The defeat sent shockwaves through the competition, as Fleetwood pulled off a giant-killing that highlighted the unpredictability and magic of cup football.
A Tough Start for West Brom
West Bromwich Albion entered the match as heavy favorites, expected to cruise past their lower-league opponents. However, from the outset, it was clear that Fleetwood had no intention of simply rolling over. The Cod Army, under the management of Scott Brown, approached the game with a clear strategy: to frustrate the hosts and take advantage of any opportunities that came their way.
The Baggies struggled to find their rhythm in the early stages, with Fleetwood’s compact and disciplined defensive setup proving difficult to break down. The home side’s frustration grew as they failed to convert their possession into clear-cut chances, while Fleetwood remained resolute, waiting for the moment to strike.
Fleetwood Takes the Lead
That moment came in the 18th minute when Fleetwood took the lead against the run of play. A well-delivered corner found Jayden Stockley, who rose above the West Brom defenders to power a header into the back of the net. The goal silenced the home crowd and sent the Fleetwood fans into ecstasy, as their team took a shock lead against the Championship side.
The goal served as a wake-up call for West Brom, who began to push forward with more urgency. Despite their increased efforts, the Baggies were unable to find a way past Fleetwood’s stubborn defense. As the first half progressed, the frustration of the home side grew, and Fleetwood’s confidence began to build.
West Brom’s Struggles Continue
The second half saw West Brom come out with renewed determination to get back into the game. However, Fleetwood continued to hold firm, defending with discipline and composure. Fleetwood, sensing that West Brom were vulnerable, began to exploit the gaps left by the home side’s advancing players. In the 58th minute, Fleetwood doubled their lead through Callum Morton, who finished off a swift counter-attack with a composed strike past goalkeeper Alex Palmer. The goal was a hammer blow to West Brom, who suddenly found themselves with a mountain to climb.
West Brom Pull One Back
Despite being two goals down, West Brom continued to press forward in search of a way back into the game. Their persistence paid off in the 74th minute when Jed Wallace managed to pull a goal back. Wallace, who had been one of West Brom’s most active players on the night, found the back of the net with a well-placed shot from the edge of the area.
The goal gave West Brom hope of mounting a late comeback, and the momentum seemed to shift in their favor. The Baggies threw everything at Fleetwood in the final stages of the match, with long balls and crosses into the box in an attempt to force an equalizer.
Fleetwood’s Resolute Defense
However, Fleetwood remained resolute, defending their lead with determination and tactical discipline. As the clock ticked down, West Brom’s desperation grew, but Fleetwood’s defense held firm, clearing crosses and blocking shots to preserve their advantage.
The final whistle was met with scenes of jubilation from the Fleetwood players and fans, as they celebrated a famous victory. The result was a significant upset, with the League Two side overcoming their Championship opponents in a match that will be remembered as one of the highlights of the round.
Also Read:
