Match Report : 31/01/2017

ALBION claimed a hard-fought away point following a 1-1 draw against Middlesbrough at the Riverside.

James Morrison handed the Baggies a dream start against the club with whom he started his career, drilling home a low strike from 20 yards after just six minutes.

However, Alvaro Negrdo ensured the spoils were shared on a rainy night in the north east when he slotted home from the penalty spot shortly after.

Matt Phillips and Salomon Rondon came closest to winning it when they both hit the woodwork within a matter of seconds, while Ben Foster and opposite number Victor Valdes were both called upon to make a number of impressive saves during what was an enthralling encounter.

The point means Tony Pulis' side remain eighth in the Premier League table after 23 matches, with Stoke City the visitors to The Hawthorns on Saturday.

Morrison made an early mark upon his return to Boro when he thundered home from the edge of the area after Darren Fletcher had knocked down Chris Brunt's free-kick.

Yet the hosts were level just 11 minutes later as Negredo, having been brought down by Gareth McAuley in the box, picked himself up to slot home the resulting spot-kick.

A pulsating opening quarter had already seen Brunt send a dipping strike from distance on to the roof of the net before the hosts saw appeals for a second penalty waved away after Allan Nyom made contact with Cristhian Stuani.

Foster made a superb double save just before half-time, keeping out from Nyom and Stuani, before Valdes proved his equal at the other end with a impressive stop of his own.

The woodwork twice denied Albion just before the hour mark as Phillips headed against a post and, from the rebound, Rondon struck the opposite post.

Foster produced another fine stop soon after to tip over from Marten de Roon before Brunt and substitute Hal Robson-Kanu were both denied by Valdes, ensuring both sides went away with a point apiece.