Berahino's late leveller frustrates Palace

WEST BROMWICH - Saido Berahino capped West Bromwich Albion's fightback from two goals down as the striker's stoppage-time penalty rescued a 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace on Saturday.

Alan Irvine's team were in trouble at the Hawthorns after Palace raced into the lead before half-time through Brede Hangeland's goal and a Mile Jedinak penalty.

But Albion staged a powerful second half recovery to the frustration of Palace, who claimed goalkeeper Julian Speroni had been fouled before Victor Anichebe netted the hosts' first goal soon after the interval.

Speroni was forced to come off with a head injury after the clash and that set the stage for England Under-21 international Berahino to score his eighth goal of the season after Australian midfielder Jedinak had fouled Anichebe three minutes into stoppage-time.

Palace were also denied what appeared to be a clear first-half spot-kick when referee Mark Clattenburg failed to spot Craig Dawson's foul on Wilfried Zaha.

After a quiet opening Palace began to dominate against the lethargic Baggies.

Yannick Bolasie's 18-yard effort deflected wide before Ben Foster turned Fraizer Campbell's header over on 16 minutes, only for Palace to score from the resulting corner.

Bolasie's cross caused chaos and Hangeland poked in from inside the six-yard box after his initial header had cannoned off Dawson.

It was a poor goal to concede but the Baggies almost levelled five minutes later only for Speroni to turn Craig Gardner's rising drive wide.

Palace could have had a penalty nine minutes before the break when Dawson appeared to fell Zaha but Clattenburg ignored any appeals.

Yet the Eagles did make it 2-0 from the spot on 45 minutes when the hapless Sebastien Pocognoli clattered into Bolasie.

It was a foolish tackle so close to half-time and Jedinak sent Foster the wrong way to put Palace in complete control -- a position which weakened six minutes after the break in controversial style.

Berahino forced Speroni into a fine low stop from 18 yards but the Baggies scored from the resulting corner.

Chris Brunt's delivery found Anichebe, who had replaced Stephane Sessegnon at half-time, to nod in but Speroni had been fouled after defender Dawson clattered into him.

The keeper needed treatment for a head injury and was eventually replaced by Wayne Hennessey.

Albion pressed for an equaliser and Craig Gardner hit the cross bar from 25 yards.

Their pressure paid off deep into stoppage-time when Jedinak's rash challenge on Anichebe in the area allowed Berahino to drill in low from the spot.