Wasteful West Brom held by tenacious Tykes

WEST BROM dropped two costly points in their automatic promotion hunt in a stalemate at Oakwell last night. The visitors had been strong favourites on boss Valerien Ismael’s return to his former club, with Barnsley 23rd in the table and yet to win under new manager Poya Asbaghi. But poor finishing and stout defending saw them frustrated amid dense Yorkshire fog.

Cedric Kipre came closest to breaking the deadlock in the third minute, but his header from an Alex Mowatt free-kick struck the post. Jordan Hugill looked well-set to score later in the first half but Callum Brittain blocked his effort impressively on the line. Barnsley battled hard throughout, and Michal Helik again denied Karlan Grant after the striker had taken the ball past Tykes keeper Bradley Collins late on. It was just one of those nights for Ismael and Co, who were left to rue an opportunity agonisingly missed.