West Bromwich Albion 1-1 Hull City

Matej Vydra

Matej Vydra's late equaliser rescued a point for West Brom against Hull City at The Hawthorns in caretaker boss Keith Downing's first game in charge.

On-loan Tottenham midfielder Jake Livermore gave Hull a deserved lead with a cool finish on the counter attack.

But Czech striker Vydra levelled four minutes from time with his first goal since joining on loan from Udinese.

It was the Baggies' first point in five league games.

Downing, who was placed in temporary charge of West Brom after Steve Clarke was sacked as head coach, included goalkeeper Ben Foster for the first time since August following his return from a stress fracture in his foot.

However, the England international was picking the ball out of his net after less than half an hour as Albion were punished for a poor start.

The hosts were caught on the counter when a half-hearted penalty appeal was turned down after James Morrison tumbled in the box under pressure from Tom Huddlestone.

Hull midfielder David Meyler seized on the loose ball and sent Danny Graham away. The Tigers striker squared for Livermore, on a season-long loan from White Hart Lane, who raced into the area and coolly slid the ball under Foster.

Downing introduced England Under-21 forward Saido Berahino for the ineffective Scott Sinclair at half-time in a bid to lift his side's fortunes.

And the talented youngster, 20, created Albion's first meaningful effort on goal with a fiercely struck half-volley that was beaten away by Hull goalkeeper Allan McGregor.

The chance seemed to give the home side greater belief and McGregor had to be alert to gather a Gareth McAuley header from a corner moments later.

Hull remained a threat on the break and West Brom were indebted to a double save from Foster as he denied Huddlestone and Ahmed Elmohamady.

Shane Long, the subject of a £5m bid from Hull on deadline day only for West Brom to pull the plug, was quiet for most of the contest but played a part in Albion's equaliser.

The Republic of Ireland striker got in behind the Hull defence and fed the ball to Zoltan Gera, who found fellow substitute Vydra. He swept the ball home from 10 yards to give West Brom a share of the spoils.

West Brom caretaker boss Keith Downing: "I thoroughly enjoyed my first 90 minutes in charge and enjoyed the day. We'd have liked to have won at home but a point after four straight defeats is important for us.

"We were not great in the first half and you saw a team that was a little anxious and edgy.

"In the second period the players responded well and showed some heart. It was a well-worked goal and I'm pleased for Matej Vydra who has persevered since he's come here and taken it well."

Hull City boss Steve Bruce: "In the dressing room afterwards it feels like we have lost. I can't remember my goalkeeper making a save in the second half.

"We frustrated West Brom and counter attacked. We had the best chance to seal it and, at 2-0, we would have put the game to bed but Ben Foster has made a great double save.

"Maybe I'm nit-picking but we're frustrated and disappointed. Before the game we probably would have taken a point and we've got 20 points before Christmas, so we're bang on schedule."

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