West Bromwich Albion succumbed to a 3-2 defeat to the hands of Burnley at Turf Moor despite leading the game 2-0; whilst Paul McShane was handed his marching orders.
Albion got off to a bright and breezy start with Jason Koumas skipping past Eric Djemba-Djemba and James O’Connor before unleashing a shot past keeper Brian Jensen from all of 25 yards out. This as early as the 6th minute.
And, took no time in doubling their lead when Nathan Ellington headed the ball into the net after Zoltan Gera crossed from the right, this in the 8th minute.
The Clarets were handed a life line thanks to a mistake by Dean Kiely with Andy Gray capitalising. The keeper threw the ball out to Diomansy Kamara with Michael Duff intercepting. Andy Gray then found the ball and the powerful striker grabbed his 12th goal of the campaign.
Albion twice went close through Welsh international Jason Koumas as the visitors dominated. The Baggies then found themselves reduced to ten men as half-time approached quick and fast; with Paul McShane receiving a straight red card after a strong header on O’Connor. James O’Connor was forced to be substituted, and replaced by Ghris McCann.
The second half had barley started when Burnley levelled the scoring; Wade Elliott forced a corner and took it himself, Andy Gray saw his far post header blocked before he dispatched into the goal from close range.
The Turf Moor club were rocking and hand the opportunity to take the lead when left-back Jon Harley crossed but Kiely got down to make the save.
Former Charlton and Bury keeper Kiely then produced a magnificent save to prevent Andy Gray from taking home the match ball when he headed at goal.
The homes ides dominance paid off with just three minutes remaining, Duff crossed from substitute McCann to swiftly head a unstoppable looping header beyond Dean Kiely for Burnley to claim the winner.
The result leaves the Albion’s hopes reaching the play-offs looking bleak, however all is not lost, two points from there remaining two matches against Coventry City (away) next Saturday and Barnsley (home) on 6 May should see them through.
However, Stoke City, Colchester United, Sheffield Wednesday and Southampton who are at most two points behind the play-off pack and willing to take Wolves and Albion’s top six spot.
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