Sub’s late goal sinks Baggies

Stoke substitute Ryan Shotton scored a late winner after a mix-up between West Bromwich Albion goalkeeper Ben Foster and centre-back Gabriel Tamas to settle their Barclays Premier League clash at the Hawthorns.

There appeared to be little danger when Jonathan Walters pumped a harmless ball into the box, but Foster and Tamas allowed Shotton to nip in and score with only a minute remaining of regulation time.

The goal earned unbeaten Stoke their first league win of the campaign, after two draws, and means the Baggies have lost their opening three matches.

Until then it looked as if Stoke goalkeeper Asmir Begovic’s superb save from Shane Long would be the most notable action. The Bosnian international’s reflex first-half stop denied summer signing Long a third goal in three games.

West Brom were the better side in the first half, with captain Chris Brunt’s crosses a constant threat, but Stoke weathered the storm, and Shotton’s late strike settled the match in their favour.

The first decent opportunity fell to West Brom after good play by Somen Tchoyi, who retained his place after Peter Odemwingie suffered a recurrence of his ankle problem.

He held off the challenge of Ryan Shawcross and his cross was met by Brunt, but the Albion skipper sent his header wide.

Stoke created their first worthwhile opening of the game after 49 minutes.

Glenn Whelan took a pass from Walters in his stride and his low shot flew just wide. From there on, chances were at a premium, with play becoming more scrappy.

West Brom forced three successive late corners but could not find a way through – and then came Shotton’s intervention.