Match Reports

Albion 2-2 Watford

An image of Darnell Furlong celebrating his equaliser against Watford

Albion came from behind to earn a dramatic 2-2 draw with Watford on Easter Monday. 

It looked like Tom Cleverley’s away team had taken all three Sky Bet Championship points following second-half strikes by Edo Kayembe and Mileta Rajovic.

But the Baggies staged a late revival thanks to Brandon Thomas-Asante and Darnell Furlong, extending their unbeaten run to eight matches.

Carlos Corberán’s men are back in action this Saturday, visiting Stoke City (ko 3pm). 

An image of Brandon Thomas-Asante scoring against Watford

The boss made four changes to his XI from Friday’s draw against Millwall, bringing in Semi Ajayi, Tom Fellows, John Swift and Thomas-Asante.

Albion started strongly under the Black Country sunshine and might have gone ahead when ‘BTA’ stole possession and raced through, yet goalkeeper Daniel Bachmann saved his finish before Watford’s defence halted Mikey Johnston’s follow-up.

Thomas-Asante had another chance soon after, however Bachmann was on hand again to stop his effort - this time a header following an excellent Furlong cross.

The game quietened down by way of opportunities in the lead up to the break, but Albion’s striker would see one more opening - glancing a wicked Fellows ball past the post as the teams went into half-time goalless.

An image of John Swift on the ball against Watford

Frustratingly for the Baggies, Watford came out better following the interval and went ahead via Kayembe - the midfielder finding the bottom corner from range.

Emmanuel Dennis then struck the outside of Palmer’s woodwork, though they were not to be denied a second for much longer - substitute Rajovic converting at the far-stick and doubling the advantage.

Albion did manage to halve that deficit within five minutes and haul themselves back in the contest, Thomas-Asante smashing home his 11th of the season and setting up a grandstand finish.

An image of Brandon Thomas-Asante scoring against Watford

And - to the relief of the large Hawthorns crowd - they held off Watford’s attacks and notched a leveller in stoppage time, Furlong scoring a screamer and ensuring the Baggies earned a valuable point.

An image of Darnell Furlong smiling after scoring against Watford

Albion: Palmer; Furlong, Ajayi, Bartley, Townsend; Yokuslu (M’Vila 67), Mowatt (Reach 67); Fellows (Wallace 71), Swift (Diangana 67), Johnston (Weimann 84); Thomas-Asante.

Substitutes: Griffiths, Pieters, Chalobah, Phillips.

Attendance: 24,173 (1,369).