Stoke's Ryan Shotton scored in the closing moments as the FA Cup finalists snatched a dramatic victory against West Brom.
|||Birmingham – Stoke's Ryan Shotton scored in the closing moments as the FA Cup finalists snatched a dramatic 1-0 victory against West Brom at the Hawthorns on Sunday.
Shotton netted in the 89th minute to condemn Albion to their third successive Premier League defeat and give Tony Pulis's undefeated side their first league win of the season.
To make matters worse for West Brom boss Roy Hodgson, Stoke's goal was the result of a mix-up between goalkeeper Ben Foster and centre-back Gabriel Tamas.
Until then it looked as if Stoke goalkeeper Asmir Begovic's superb save from Shane Long would be the most notable action of a dour encounter.
West Brom made a strong start and Somen Tchoyi's cross was met by Chris Brunt, only for the Albion captain to direct his header wide.
Paul Scharner then escaped the marking of Jonathan Woodgate to connect with a Brunt free-kick but his powerful header was directed straight at Begovic.
It took a superb save from Begovic to prevent West Brom taking the lead after 12 minutes.
Tchoyi delivered a testing cross from the left flank and Long's bullet header from six yards drew a fine stop from Begovic.
Albion remained on top and Brunt's free-kick completely wrong-footed Begovic but flew inches wide.
Stoke didn't create their first worthwhile opening until early in the second half when Glenn Whelan took a pass from Jon Walters in his stride and shot just wide.
Pulis sent on Shotton for Jermaine Pennant with 15 minutes remaining, but it was Albion who kept pressing with Tchoyi volleying just wide after Scharner had nodded a cross from Steven Reid into his path.
West Brom forced three successive corners in a late spell of pressure but could not find a way through and Shotton took advantage to prod home in the final moments after Foster and Tamas made a hash of an attempted clearance. – Sapa-AFP
Source: http://www.iol.co.za/shotton-grabs-win-for-stoke-1.1126443
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