Midlands | West Brom held by Portsmouth

West Bromwich Albion 1 - 1 Portsmouth

Portsmouth came from behind to earn a 1-1 draw at West Brom, denying Ryan Mason a third straight Championship victory

Author | Jamie Peters 

Stadium | The Hawthorns

Pre match huddles

Mikey Johnston had given the hosts the lead in the first half with a thunderous strike into the top corner. Albion looked in control and almost doubled their advantage when Alex Mowatt struck the post shortly after the interval.

But against the run of play Colby Bishop equalised, rising to glance in Josh Murphy’s cross and secure a point for John Mousinho’s side.

The game turned with 20 minutes to play when Mason was shown a red card for dissent. The Baggies had seen two penalty appeals turned down in quick succession, and Mason’s protests left referee Elliot Bell with little choice but to dismiss him.

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The Albion manager had overseen victories in his first two games but his perfect start came to an end here. Portsmouth, meanwhile, were forced to reshuffle with Callum Lang sidelined for six weeks through injury, Florian Bianchini drafted into the starting line-up.

Bianchini was denied by Josh Griffiths from close range in the opening stages, but it was Johnston at the other end who made the breakthrough, cutting inside and unleashing a spectacular drive beyond Nicolas Schmid.

Both sides had chances to win

West Brom continued to dictate the tempo after half-time, Mowatt rattling the woodwork, yet Pompey grew into the contest and took their chance when it came.

The closing stages were marred by controversy as Albion’s appeals for a spot-kick were ignored, Heggebo appearing to be fouled twice in quick succession. Mason’s furious reaction brought a red card and ensured a frustrating finish for the home crowd.