Baggies and Villa share spoils

West Brom 1 Aston Villa 1

A riveting Midlands derby clash ended with honours even at The Hawthorns where West Brom come from behind to earn a share of the spoils against Aston Villa.

Olof Mellberg had given the visitors a fourth-minute lead when he headed home a right-wing free-kick delivered by Thomas Hitzlsperger.

But the Baggies, who had been on the ropes for much of a thrilling first half, levelled through Neil Clement, who headed home a Jonathan Greening cross in the 38th minute.

There was an early scare in the second half for the visitors when Horsfield chased down Laursen and Sorensen was forced to intervene with a no-nonsense punt which served to clear Villa lines.

A sloppy clearance from Sorensen gifted possession to Horsfield who advanced on goal only to be brought down by Laursen who received a caution for his trouble.

From the free-kick, Clement powered a left-footed effort over the wall which was acrobatically punched out to the left wing and safety by the goalkeeper.

With the final whistle approaching, McCann tested Hoult with a waspish low shot while an over-elaborate Dobie squandered a golden chance to win the game for the Baggies when one too many touches allowed a grateful Sorensen to save at his feet.