Emerton strike huge Baggies blow

The Australia cancelled out a first-half goal from the impressive Kieran Richardson to leave Bryan Robson’s side in the bottom three. The Baggies moved level on points with Norwich and Crystal Palace but remain in the relegation zone as they have an inferior goal difference.

Albion had legitimate appeals for a penalty turned down when Andy Todd appeared to hold back Campbell as he challenged for an inswinging 17th minute free-kick from Kieran Richardson. Albion appealed in vain for a second penalty when a fierce Wallwork drive appeared to hit the hands of Aaron Mokoena on its way out for a corner.

But after 32 minutes The Hawthorns erupted when Richardson put West Brom ahead with his first goal on home soil since his loan move from Manchester United in January. Horsfield won a free on the edge of the Blackburn area after being challenged by Ryan Nelsen and up stepped Richardson to curl a free-kick past the dive of Friedel.

Matteo was booked for dissent, presumably unhappy at the free-kick award, before Blackburn kicked off.

Albion enjoyed more of the play at the start of a second period which began in driving rain as they searched for the second goal which would given them vital breathing space.

Neil Clement missed a golden chance to hand them that advantage after 50 minutes following a deep corner from Chaplow. The central defender peeled away from the Blackburn rearguard at the far post but sent his header wide.

Rovers made their first substitution after 56 minutes with Tugay replacing Mokoena as the visitors started to come more into the game. After 64 minutes Albion were rocked back on their heels when Emerton brought Rovers back on level terms.

Pedersen made a probing run before squaring the ball across goal and Emerton had time to steady himself before drilling his shot past Hoult.

With 11 minutes left Robson brought on 13-goal leading-scorer Robert Earnshaw to replace Horsfield in a last throw of the dice.

Clement had a late chance to win the game for West Brom but he could not keep his volley down after making a well-timed run.

WEST BROM: Hoult, Albrechtsen, Gaardsoe, Clement, Robinson, Gera, Wallwork, Richardson, Chaplow (Kanu 63), Campbell (Scimeca 63), Horsfield (Earnshaw 79).

BLACKBURN: Friedel, Neill, Todd, Nelsen, Matteo, Emerton, Reid, Mokoena (Tugay 56), Savage (Gallagher 87), Pedersen (Thompson 83), Stead.

Referee: S Bennett

LAST NIGHT’S RESULTS: UEFA Champions League semi-final, first leg: AC Milan 2 PSV 0

Barclays Premiership: West Brom 1 Blackburn 1

The Coca-Cola Football League, Championship: Leicester 1 Derby 0

Coca-Cola Football League, One: Port Vale 0 Wrexham 2.