West Bromwich Albion 1-1 Sheffield Wednesday: Brunt equaliser secures point for Baggies
- Published
Chris Brunt scored to secure a point for his side against Sheffield Wednesday
Captain Chris Brunt's late equaliser earned a point for 10-man West Bromwich Albion against managerless Sheffield Wednesday at The Hawthorns.
An early goal from Atdhe Nuhiu put the visitors in front after the Baggies failed to clear Adam Reach's corner in the opening minutes.
The hosts dominated the start of the second half until striker Jay Rodriguez received the first red card of his career for a challenge on Wednesday winger Marco Matias.
Despite going down to 10 men, Darren Moore's side continued to pressure the Owls' defence before Brunt prodded the ball in from a corner.
A hamstring injury to Dwight Gayle on Boxing Day meant Moore was without his top scorer as his side struggled to test Wednesday goalkeeper Cameron Dawson in the first half.
Albion's Sam Johnstone prevented the visitors from extending their lead as the goalkeeper pushed away Matias' low strike.
The shot-stopper then produced a fine save to deny Morgan Fox scoring at the back post after Michael Hector had flicked the ball on.
The hosts dominated the start of the second half prior to Rodriguez's sending off and continued to attack, with Moore making a triple substitution.
Cameron kept a header from Hal Robson-Kanu out as Albion started to throw everything forward in the closing stages of the match before their pressure paid off with Brunt's equaliser.
The result means the Baggies extended their unbeaten league run to seven games, while managerless Wednesday remained unbeaten under caretaker boss Lee Bullen.
West Bromwich Albion manager Darren Moore:
"I am absolutely delighted with the point with it coming so late.
"The reasons for that are it being the second game in three days, playing the last half-an-hour with 10 men, the attitude of the players, the relentless approach to get back into the game; the stadium still being full in the dying moments and that showed real togetherness from the whole football club.
"Initially when I saw the red card (for Rodriguez) go up I was so surprised as Jay is an honest hard-working individual.
"It looked a nothing incident. I would like to appeal it as it is a straight red and a three-game ban."
Sheffield Wednesday caretaker manager Lee Bullen:
"The lads are walking back in the dressing room feeling like it's a defeat because it was so late in the game.
"It's a sore one, prior to the game most would have said it would be a good point but the players are so disappointed.
"To come to a club like this and put in that performance, work rate and togetherness was a big positive.
"The boys can take a lot of confidence but we won't get ahead of ourselves. This league can kick you in the teeth when you think you are getting somewhere. The players will be fully ready for Birmingham."
