Brunt’s late strike sparks Baggies promotion party

West Brom 1 Southampton 1

Adam Lallana had stunned the home fans by putting Southampton ahead at The Hawthorns with just 13 minutes of this Coca-Cola Championship match to go — and temporarily taking the relegation-threatened Saints out of the bottom three.

But fellow substitute Brunt drilled a low shot under the body of goalkeeper Richard Wright six minutes later to spark off scenes of wild celebration amongst the Baggies fans.

It meant Tony Mowbray’s side moved ahead of previous leaders Stoke on goal difference with just one game remaining.

The Baggies would have to lose at QPR while Hull, the only side who can deny them promotion, would have to win at Ipswich and manufacture a 12-goal swing.

Therefore it is understandable to see why Albion’s fans believe they are already promoted after invading the pitch at the final whistle.

Southampton remain 22nd because of an inferior goal difference to Leicester and will have to hope their result against Sheffield United is better than the Foxes’ one at Stoke if they are to survive.

Lallana broke the deadlock 14 minutes from time, firing home from a narrow angle after racing onto a pass from Jermaine Wright.

Clement came close to equalising when his downward header from Brunt’s corner bounced over the bar.

But eventually Albion’s perseverance paid off as Brunt drilled a low shot under the body of Richard Wright to put them within touching distance of the top flight.

West Brom: Kiely, Hoefkens, Barnett, Clement, Robinson, Gera, Greening (Moore 81), Koren, Morrison (Brunt 64), Miller (Bednar 69), Phillips.

Southampton: Richard Wright, Jermaine Wright, Perry, Lucketti, Surman, Viafara, Idiakez, Safri (Dyer 62), Euell, Saganowski (Lallana 74), John (Wright-Phillips 74).

Ref: Lee Mason (Lancashire).