Half-Time Report: West Bromwich Albion cut Burnley advantage in half

By Pascal Lemesre | 08 Feb 2015 12:49, Last updated: 04 Jun 2025 23:12

Chris Brunt headed home in first-half injury time to bring West Bromwich Albion back into this lunchtime's Premier League game against Burnley at Turf Moor.

On a misty day in Lancashire, it was hosts Burnley who got off to the better start, twice going close in the opening 10 minutes.

First, Danny Ings lashed a left-footed volley over the bar before Scott Arfield's curling effort from the edge of the box was tipped onto the underside of the bar at full stretch by Ben Foster.

Burnley's pressure soon told, though, as they opened the scoring in the 11th minute. Ings powered his way into the area before cleverly looping the ball to the back post where Ashley Barnes headed home his fifth league goal of the season.

It was the 10th goal that West Brom had conceded in the opening 15 minutes this season - more than anyone else in the top flight.

West Brom boss Tony Pulis left top-scorer Saido Berahino on the bench, but the youngster was soon introduced as Victor Anichebe trudged off with an apparent injury.

Albion's first opening did not arrive until the 20-minute mark, with Joleon Lescott unable to head home debutant and new captain Darren Fletcher's free kick from close range.

Burnley then doubled their advantage in the 32nd minute when George Boyd collected the ball on the right wing before curling over a cross that Ings headed into the turf and in off the post.

The Clarets dominated the opening period, but West Brom were given a huge boost moments before the break when Brunt headed Callum McManaman's corner home.