PL2

PL2 side snatch a draw at Newcastle

Fitzwater strikes late from the spot

ALBION's Premier League 2 side came from a goal down to draw 1-1 with Newcastle at Whitley Park on Monday afternoon.

 
Jack Fitzwater's 84th minute penalty cancelled out Daryl Murphy's first-half header.
 
The hosts made a strong start. Dan Barlaser and Sean Longstaff both went close in the early stages, with Albion stopper Bradley House equal to anything sent his way by the Magpies' front line.
 
But there was nothing the young 'keeper could do about Murphy's header in the 44th minute.
 
The experienced striker headed home at the near post after a Massadio Haidara cross.
 
The Baggies kept plugging away in the second half, with Zack Elbouzedi forcing a fine save from Freddie Woodman in the Newcastle goal.
 
And their persistence was rewarded in the dying minutes when skipper Fitzwater slotted home from the spot after a Callum Williams foul.
 
The stalemate stops the rot for James Shan's side after three straight defeats in all competitions.
 
And the Baggies boss was pleased to get back on track in the league.
 
"I'm delighted.
 
"We showed a lot of resilience and had to tinker with things a little bit in the final third to try and make the breakthrough.
 
"We'd have been really deflated to come away with nothing. I think the lads showed real character and had a good work ethic.
 
"When you lose games, the mood at the training ground can be quite low.
 
"Sometimes we have to evaluate matches in a negative way to help the lads develop and look at putting things right.
 
"But today we'll be taking a lot of positives from the performance and there'll be a good feeling around the place."