Match Reports

Albion 1-1 Stoke

An image of Brandon Thomas-Asante celebrating a goal against Stoke

Albion drew 1-1 with Stoke City in a Sky Bet Championship clash at The Hawthorns on Sunday afternoon.

Lynden Gooch’s early goal was cancelled out by a superb Brandon Thomas-Asante strike for a share of the spoils.

Carlos Corberán’s men return to action on Saturday up in Middlesbrough.

An image of Albion fans celebrating Thomas-Asante's goal against Stoke

The boss made one change, switching in Jed Wallace for Jayson Molumby, and his side created an early chance when Sarmiento volleyed over following good work by Grady Diangana.

But, against the run of play, Albion fell behind inside 12 minutes - Gooch’s cross looping over everybody and sneaking into the far corner of Alex Palmer’s net.

The Baggies were not phased, though, and immediately began searching for an equaliser. Sarmiento saw a superb effort well saved and Kipre headed off-target before the game was deservedly levelled up.

Just like he did last season - albeit not quite as acrobatically - Thomas-Asante grabbed a brilliant goal, picking the ball out of the air with a wonderful volley to make it 1-1 at the break.

An image of Brandon Thomas-Asante and his teammates celebrating a goal against Stoke

After half-time Sarmiento forced a save from Jack Bonham, and Wallace soon went close as his shot, destined for the top corner, was deflected over.

Stoke’s Josh Laurent hit a couple over during a good spell midway through the period, yet the hosts were the ones to finish strongly.

And goalkeeper Bonham made himself the hero - twice - either side of Kyle Bartley’s disallowed goal, excellently stopping Thomas-Asante’s backheel and Pipa’s fierce attempt.

Despite further late pressure Albion just couldn’t find a winner, meaning the teams split the points in B71.

Albion: Palmer; Furlong, Kipre, Bartley, Townsend; Yokuslu, Mowatt (Molumby 87); Wallace, Sarmiento (Pipa 77), Diangana (Fellows 71); Thomas-Asante.

Substitutes: Griffiths, Ajayi, Taylor, Pieters, Chalobah, Reach.

Attendance: 23,298 (1,956)