PL2

PL2 side end 2016 with defeat

Brighton beat Baggies 2-1

SAIDO Berahino played 90 minutes and Jonathan Leko was on the scoresheet as Albion's Premier League 2 side ended 2016 with defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion at the Checkatrade.com Stadium.
 
In a lively first period, Leko gave the Baggies the lead in the 14th minute after his strike squirmed under Bailey Vose in the Brighton goal.
 
Leko had replaced Chay Tilt in the starting XI just before kick-off.
 
Berahino then went close on two occasions. The Baggies striker struck the base of the post and saw a shot cleared off the line as he looked to double Albion's lead.
 
But the hosts were level in the 39th minute after Kyle Howkins was adjudged to have fouled Henrik Bjordal in the box. James Tilley dispatched the resulting spot-kick.
 
Berahino went within a whisker of putting the Baggies back in front in the second half, bending wide from the edge of the area.
 
And the visitors were made to pay for their missed chances when Tom Dallison poked home the winner in the 80th minute after a scramble in the Baggies box.
 
Robbie McCourt came agonisingly close to a late equaliser but could only direct his header over the crossbar as Brighton took all three points.
 
Despite defeat, Albion boss James Shan saw positives in his side's performance.
 
"We looked good in spells.
 
"We should have been four up with some excellent chances.
 
"Saido hit the post and had one blocked on the line, and then Azaz also went close."
 
The Baggies are now four points off the playoffs and are next in action against Aston Villa on Monday, January 9 (ko 7pm).
 
ALBION: Rose, Fitzwater (c), Jones, Howkins (Tilt 64), McCourt, Sweeney, Donnellan (O'Shea 48), Harper, Azaz (Bradley 73), Leko, Berahino.
 
Subs: Keranovic, Pritchatt.