Callum Styles earned West Brom a point as they came from behind to draw 1-1 against QPR in the Sky Bet Championship at The Hawthorns.
QPR led through a Chris Mepham own goal in the 38th minute which came completely against the run of play.
That lead lasted just three minutes as Styles equalised to extend the Baggies’ unbeaten home record to 11 games, while Rangers have yet to lose on their travels this season.
Albion had slightly more of the chances but the Londoners had their fair share of openings too.
Former Manchester United midfielder Toby Collyer and Conor Townsend made their first starts since rejoining Albion and defender Mepham came in to captain the side.
They were three of five changes from Wednesday’s 1-0 win at Derby, the same number as the visitors.
Albion forced the early pace and Rabby Nzingoula’s wayward shot came off Felix Horn Myhre, diverting the ball closer to goal but wide.
Isaac Price’s inswinging corner was punched clear by goalkeeper Pierce Charles on the line as the hosts continued to press for a breakthrough.
Albion thought that had come in the 34th minute.
Aune Heggebo met Collyer’s cross with a thunderous rising shot that appeared to smack the crossbar but it had hit the stanchion behind the goal.
Completely against the run of play, Rangers took the lead.
Kwame Poku sent Rumarn Burrell racing clear and he turned his man before forcing Max O’Leary into a diving save, only for the rebound to hit Mepham on the head and bounce into the unguarded net.
Albion levelled in the 41st minute when Styles, who was playing in an unfamiliar right-back role, curled home a low shot from just outside the area for his second goal of the season.
Following the restart, Price went close to putting Albion ahead for the first time, his curling free-kick tipped away by Charles.
Jayson Molumby then nodded a Styles corner a yard wide at the far post.
But they had to be wary of Rangers’ threat on the break.
Poku forced O’Leary into a vital flying save after wriggling free in the box to shoot from 12 yards.
At the other end, Mepham’s planted header forced Charles into a falling save from Price’s corner.
Charles then had to be alert to hold Styles’ low free-kick after the full-back been fouled right on the edge of the box.
Rangers threatened again when Burrell’s header was smothered by O’Leary at the foot of the post from Harvey Vale’s corner.
Substitute Jimmy-Jay Morgan missed the chance to win it for Albion at the death when he blazed over at the far post after heading down Molumby’s cross.
The managers
West Brom’s James Morrison:
To follow…
QPR’s Julien Stephan:
To follow…
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