BRISTOL (England) - ISMAEL Miller's hat-trick ensured West Bromwich Albion became the third Championship club to book a place in this season's FA Cup semi-finals with a 5-1 win at Bristol Rovers on Sunday.
James Morrison gave Tony Mowbray's side the lead at the Memorial Stadium before Miller increased their advantage in the first half.

Danny Coles gave League One Rovers hope of a comeback but Miller completed his treble either side of a Kevin Phillips' effort to send the Baggies into the last four for the first time in 26 years.

Albion join fellow Championship teams Barnsley, who shocked Chelsea on Saturday, and Cardiff, who won at Middlesbrough earlier on Sunday, in the Wembley semis.

Mowbray said: 'We've all watched the games in amazement this weekend and seen the underdogs win in game after game. We were determined not to fall into the same trap.'

'The scoreline suggests it was comfortable but I don't feel it ever was.'

'Ishmael has been immense since he joined the club from Manchester City. He's scored goals almost everytime he's been on the pitch. His power, pace and finishing quality is evident for all to see.'

After knocking out Fulham and Southampton already this season, Rovers had no reason to fear Albion. But this was to be the only quarter-final tie when the favoured team lived up to their billing.

Solid start
Rovers made a solid start and Rickie Lambert had a goalbound shot from the edge of the area blocked by Paul Robinson before Craig Disley shot over.

But Albion are capable of some eye-catching play on their day and they swiftly worked up a head of steam Miller had a shot deflected wide, then forced Rovers goalkeeper Steve Phillips to race off his line to block his header. The rebound fell to Robert Koren, but Phillips recovered quickly to parry his attempted lob.

Albion were on top and deservedly went in front in the 17th minute.

Roman Bednar controlled Chris Brunt's through ball on his thigh before surging goalwards. The Czech striker got a low shot away from the edge of the area that Phillips could only push Morrison's path and he slotted home from close-range.

Dean Kiely reacted quickly to keep Albion ahead with a fine save moments later as he pushed away an effort from Andrew Williams.

Lambert squandered a golden opportunity to level midway through the first half when he shot straight at Kiely from close range.

It was a costly miss as the Baggies doubled their lead after half an hour in stunning style.

Miller latched on to a long punt forward, turned his marker on the right-hand side of the penalty area before unleashing a left-foot shot that flew past Phillips.

Rovers refused to throw in the towel and hit back a minute later.

Stuart Campbell curled over a teasing corner and Coles was in the right place to prod in at the far post.

Lambert was close to converting David Pipe's cross as Rovers chased an equaliser, but the visitors proved too strong as the tie wore on.

Miller restored Albion's two-goal advantage in the 69th minute in controversial circumstances.

Koren headed the ball towards Phillips with Miller coming back from offside position. A Rovers defender flicked the ball on and it broke to Miller who fired home.

Phillips added a fourth in the 73rd minute when Koren's pass put him through on goal. The former England striker finished well and there was still time for Miller to complete his treble when he drove home another clinical effort.