VALERIEN ISMAEL STARTED his West Brom reign with a hard-fought point after the Baggies twice came from behind to draw 2-2 at Bournemouth in the Sky Bet Championship.
Dara O’Shea’s header and Callum Robinson’s superb second half strike cancelled out goals from Bournemouth league debutant Emiliano Marcondes and Philip Billing.
Bournemouth, who introduced new manager Scott Parker to the home fans on the pitch before kick-off, were without sought-after Holland international Arnaut Danjuma while Junior Stanislas was forced to pull out of the squad after suffering an injury in the warm-up.
Meanwhile new West Brom boss Ismael opted to start David Button in goal ahead of England international Sam Johnstone.
Bournemouth took the lead in the 12th minute as Marcondes immediately endeared himself to the Cherries faithful.
Billing released Jaidon Anthony down the left and the youngster pulled the cross back for the summer signing from Brentford to fire past Button from 10 yards.
Moments later a long punt over the top of the Baggies defence threatened to release Dominic Solanke but defender O’Shea got back in the nick of time to prod the ball away from the Bournemouth frontman.
The visitors were back on level terms 13 minutes before half-time when O’Shea outjumped the Bournemouth defence to head in Conor Townsend’s cross and make it 1-1.
Callum Robinson looked to have put the Baggies in front five minutes later, but his close-range effort was disallowed for a push on home goalkeeper Mark Travers.
Bournemouth had another let-off soon after but Kyle Bartley could not keep his header down from just inside the six-yard box, after the home defence had failed to deal with a corner.
Two minutes before the interval, Travers made a smart save low down to his right to push Robinson’s shot behind for a corner.
The hosts restored their advantage seven minutes after the restart. Zimbabwean defender Jordan Zemura made a good break down the left before drilling in a low cross which Button could only claw into the path of Billing.
The Denmark midfielder, who ended last season in good goalscoring form, was not about to pass up the gift and kept his composure to finish into the far corner from 15 yards.
Darnell Furlong came close to equalising when he met Alex Mowatt’s teasing free-kick at the near post – but could only glance his header high over the crossbar.
Robinson did get the Baggies back on level terms in the 67th minute, expertly steering the ball into the far corner on the half-volley after sliding in to meet Townsend’s cross following a flowing team move.
Wales international David Brooks forced a fine save from Button with a stunning volley from Billing’s centre that looked destined for the bottom corner – but the points were shared in Dorset.
Bernard Jackman and Murray Kinsella are joined by Craig Ray on The42 Rugby Weekly to preview the deciding third Lions Test on Saturday.
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Come on Limerick
Great second half from Limerick, but they’d want to sort out those wides.
Kiely very slow to take Hickey off, Mike Casey should be already in
@Gaaonthefence: or Richie McCarthy. Either way get Hickey out of there asap.
Limerick going to regret all these wides
@Kevin Shortall: they sure are Kevin.
@Shane Doherty: as a Kilkenny man I’m delighted
Take nothing away from Limerick, I think the whole country would like to see them do well. But as a Tipp supporter, how James McGrath can officiate at this level concerns me. He is getting even the most basic decisions wrong and is so inconsistent to how he applies the rules. Just rid of Kirwan after years of bias and now we have to watch this clown ruining games.
@Dave Russell: I think the standard is poor across the board but i suppose it is a thankless job. Is there a case to look at two referees on the pitch at either end.
Here we go again, ref doing his best to ruin it, major boo boo in this lad yet ..
@Gerry Campbell: or the fact that Limerick can’t stop giving away stupid frees
@Tom49: they are all frees alright….and thats coming from a limerick man
@Tom49: well undeniably true Tom .
Very poor referee? Compliments to both teams that the game didn’t boil over?
Killing ourselves with the wides but great to see some discipline in 2nd half, great start to the campaign and something to build on now! Hon Luimneach
Well done mike ryan
Great day. The RESSURECTION started that day