ALBION were pegged back to a 1-1 draw against Port Vale at Vale Park on Tuesday evening as they continued their preparations for the upcoming Premier League campaign.
Hal Robson-Kanu's simple finish in the 43rd minute looked to have given Tony Pulis' side their third win of pre-season, but Tom Pope's 86th minute header earned the Valiants a share of the spoils with their only shot on target.
Jay Rodriguez had the first opporunity for the Baggies midway through the first half. The England international headed into the arms of Vale 'keeper Ryan Boot from inside the penalty area after a fine cross from Jonathan Leko.
Mike Calveley should have tested Ben Foster at the other end just moments later but flashed a 26th minute header wide of the post.
Leko, who impressed throughout, stung the gloves of Boot just before half time with a fierce drive from the edge of the area.
And after the ball was cleared from the resulting corner, Robson-Kanu benefitted from a lapse in judgement from Vale defender Adam Yates. The striker rounded Boot before slotting into an empty net to give the Baggies the lead.
After Tony Pulis made a host of changes after the break, Dara O'Shea had the opportunity to extend the visitors' lead in the 48th minute but could only head wide from Leko's free kick.
Robson-Kanu came close to adding a second four minutes later but blazed over from Rekeem Harper's punted through-ball.
The Baggies played the last 30 minutes with ten Academy graduates on the field, but the youngsters were unable to hold out for a deserved victory.
Pope rose highest at the back post and headed past Boaz Myhill and denied Albion a win ahead of their trip to Deportivo La Coruna on Saturday.
ALBION: Foster (Myhill HT); Wilson, Evans (Howkins 47), Hegazi (O'Shea 47), Nyom (Melbourne 62); Yacob (Harper 47), Field; Leko, Chadli (Tulloch HT), Rodriguez (Roberts 47); Robson-Kanu (Edwards 62).
Subs: None.