Match Reports

Albion 1-0 Plymouth

An image of Josh Maja, Uros Racic and Darnell Furlong celebrating a goal against Plymouth

Albion extended their unbeaten 2024/25 Sky Bet Championship campaign with a hard-earned 1-0 win against Plymouth Argyle on Saturday afternoon.

Josh Maja’s second-half strike secured all three points at The Hawthorns, meaning the Baggies have claimed five victories from their first six fixtures.

The result means it’s their best start to a campaign after this many league games since 1992/93 under former boss Ossie Ardiles.

Carlos Corberán’s men are back in action next weekend, travelling to Sheffield Wednesday’s Hillsborough.

An image of Josh Maja and Tom Fellows celebrating their goal against Plymouth

The boss made one change to his starting XI, bringing in Uros Racic for his full debut - Jayson Molumby missing out.

Albion certainly had the better of the opening 32 minutes - hitting the post an incredible three times - initially through Karlan Grant’s powerful effort and then via long-range Alex Mowatt and John Swift attempts. Tom Fellows also saw a shot well held by Daniel Grimshaw.

Down the other end Argyle’s best chance came when the Baggies’ defence were caught napping, allowing Morgan Whittaker to steal possession and shoot. However, Alex Palmer was on hand to make a strong stop. The goalkeeper, who had a spell down in Devon a few years ago, then made another decent save to deny Darko Gyabi moments later.

The Baggies did think they had broken the deadlock in first-half stoppage time after Maja tapped home - only to look across and see the assistant referee’s flag up for offside.

An image of John Swift hitting the post against Plymouth

Palmer was in action again at the beginning of the second period to palm away Whittaker’s drive as the visitors had a decent early spell.

But Albion saw it through and managed to net the opening goal on 62 minutes. Maja - who else - finished off a fantastic, flowing move, getting on the end of Racic’s cross and netting his sixth of the season.

An image of Josh Maja celebrating his goal against Plymouth

Corberán’s men soon had created opportunities to get another, notably Ajayi having a header saved and Bartley nodding inches over, before Racic’s dink was thwarted, too.

The head coach introduced Jed Wallace for Albion appearance No.100, alongside a variety of other changes during the half.

And they saw out the victory, as well as a third consecutive clean sheet, to remain table-toppers and continue their strong start.

Albion: Palmer; Furlong, Bartley, Ajayi, Heggem; Racic (Diakite 71), Mowatt; Fellows (Wallace 71), Swift (Diangana 64), Grant (Johnston 64); Maja (Dobbin 79).

Substitutes: Cann, Holgate, Frabotta, Styles.

Attendance: 25,574 (2,120)