WEST BROM eased into the FA Cup fourth round after exploiting Coca-Cola Championship rivals Leeds' defensive frailties at The Hawthorns. First-half strikes from Ireland's Paul McShane and John Hartson put the Baggies on course for their sixth consecutive home victory. And Kevin Phillips struck with seven minutes remaining to ensure Dennis Wise's struggling side are left to focus solely on their battle to avoid the drop. The visitors managed to get on the scoresheet in the second minute of stoppage time courtesy of a Paul Robinson own goal, but the damage had been done.

Irish international McShane's goal opened the scoring and came after only seven minutes. Leeds failed to deal with Neil Clement's corner and McShane fired home the loose ball with a venomous right-footed finish.