Albion hit back to share spoils
SPIRITED Albion salvaged a dramatic 2-2 draw at home to Crystal Palace courtesy of Saido Berahino's injury-time penalty.
The Baggies striker converted from the spot in the third minute of added time - his seventh Barclays Premier League goal of the season - after Victor Anichebe was brought down by Eagles captain Mile Jedinak.
It was half-time substitute Anichebe who turned the game around for the Baggies, with his header reducing the arrears just minutes after the interval.
The hosts had looked to ultimately pay the price for a below-par first-half performance which saw Palace go in two goals to the good at the interval.
Brede Hangeland’s close-range finish and Jedinak’s spot-kick, after Sebastien Pocognoli brought down Yannick Bolasie, doing the damage.
Ben Foster returned from a calf injury to take his place between the sticks, the only change from Monday’s 2-2 draw against Manchester United.
Albion made a slow start to proceedings and, after 16 minutes, Hangeland poked home from close range having seen his initial header blocked from Bolasie's corner.
That sprung the hosts into life somewhat and Gardner saw his superb effort tipped over the bar by Julian Speroni before Graham Dorrans was high and wide when well placed.
Chris Brunt’s curling effort came within inches of pulling Albion level but, crucially, they went two goals down just before the break.
Pocognoli was found guilty of bringing down Bolasie in the penalty area and Jedinak stepped up to convert from the spot.
Berahino saw his curling goalbound effort tipped wide and, from the resulting Brunt corner, half-time sub Anichebe was on hand to head the Baggies back into the game.
Palace goalkeeper Speroni sustained a head injury in the build-up to the goal and was duly substituted, much to his own frustration, and replaced by ex-Wolves stopper Wayne Hennessey.
Dorrans was inches wide from distance before Craig Gardner struck the crossbar with an effort of his own.
James Morrison saw his strike blocked before Berahino blazed the rebound over as the Baggies really turned the screw in search of a leveller.
And they finally found one deep into added time as Berahino converted from the spot after Jedinak hauled down Anichebe.
Albion: Foster, Wisdom, Dawson, Lescott, Pocognoli, Brunt, Gardner, Dorrans (Blanco 83’), Morrison, Sessegnon (Anichebe 45'), Berahino.
Subs: Myhill, Gamboa, McAuley, Mulumbu, Ideye.
GOALS: Anichebe (51’), Berahino (pen 90+3)
BOOKED: Sessegnon (foul 45+3’), Gardner (handball 82’), Blanco (foul 89')
Palace: Speroni (Hennessey 55’), Kelly, Mariappa, Hangeland, Ward, Jedinak, Ledley, Zaha (Puncheon 64’), Bolasie, Chamakh (Guedioura 73’), Campbell.
Subs: Fryers, Bannan, Doyle, Gayle.
GOALS: Hangeland (16’), Jedinak (pen 45+1’)
BOOKED: Jedinak (foul 66’)
Referee: Mark Clattenburg (Durham)
Attendance: 24,738
Albion star man: Victor Anichebe