Half-Time Report: Crystal Palace in control at The Hawthorns

Crystal Palace are in control at half time against West Bromwich Albion after opening up a 2-0 advantage in the Black Country.

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Both teams started competitively at The Hawthorns without either creating anything significant on goal, with a speculative effort from Yannick Bolasie the only chance of note during the opening 10 minutes.

Palace continued to push forward and just after the quarter-hour mark, they took the lead when Brede Hangeland reacted fastest to prod the ball home from close range. after seeing his initial header hit Joleon Lescott.

The Baggies had not really got going, but they provided their first threat on goal shortly before the midway point of the half when Craig Gardner had a long-range strike well saved by Julian Speroni.

The Eagles still looked a threat on the break, but Albion were beginning to have the better of the action and they nearly equalised when Chris Brunt's floated delivery nearly crept in at the back post.

As the half began to draw to a close, Wilfried Zaha was unfortunate not to win a penalty after being tripped in the box, but in added-on time, the visitors did earn a chance to score from the spot.

Sebastien Pocognoli hauled down Bolasie and Miles Jedinak made no mistake by lashing home from 12 yards.