West Bromwich Albion 1-2 Bolton Wanderers: Baggies get 'wake-up call' says boss Darren Moore

Yanic Wildschut scores for BoltonImage source, PA
Image caption,

Yanic Wildschut earned Bolton their first win at West Brom in eight attempts

West Bromwich Albion boss Darren Moore says his side got a "wake-up call" after their 2-1 loss at home to Bolton.

Yanic Wildschut scored a last-minute winner as Bolton snatched a dramatic opening-day victory on the Baggies' return to the second tier after eight seasons in the Premier League.

"We know the Championship is very tough and we've clearly seen today what's expected going forward," Moore told BBC WM.

"It's a good wake-up call for everybody. If people think we're going to arrive in this league and have it our own way it's not going to be the case."

Wildschut, on a season-long loan from Norwich, tapped in from close range from a corner for Bolton, who only stayed up by beating Nottingham Forest on the final day of last season.

The Trotters had earlier taken the lead when Josh Magennis headed in Sammy Ameobi's cross against the run of play.

Harvey Barnes levelled for the Baggies just before the break when he cut in from the right and curled a stunning shot into the top corner.

Moore's side almost snatched an equaliser in stoppage time but Ahmed Hegazi's header came back off the bar.

Image source, Rex Features
Image caption,

Darren Moore was given the West Brom job permanently in the summer after taking over temporarily following Alan Pardew's sacking in April

"Bolton had a game plan to come up against us and it worked and they executed it perfectly," added Moore.

"We're disappointed to lose the game on two set plays. It's never nice to lose a game on a set play, but we have, and it's an early wake-up call for what lies ahead of us in this really tough division."

West Brom, who were without Venezuela striker Salomon Rondon as he closes in on a move to Newcastle, dominated possession in the opening 15 minutes.

But, after Magennis had marked his debut with a goal following his move from Charlton on Monday, they almost fell further behind when David Wheater flicked a header narrowly wide.

Allan Nyom and Matt Phillips both saw efforts fly wide, while Hegazi sent a free header over the bar as Albion responded.

They were finally rewarded when Barnes, on a season-long loan from Leicester, brilliantly levelled on his debut.

Bolton keeper Ben Alnwick produced a fine save to keep out another Hegazi header and Magennis was denied a second by Sam Johnstone as both sides sought a winner.

But the game appeared to be heading for a draw until Wildschut stabbed home to earn Bolton, who won only once on the road last season, all three points.

Bolton Wanderers manager Phil Parkinson:

"It was always going to be a tough game but I thought that we were excellent.

"I was worried that West Brom would be lifted by their goal but credit to our boys, they kept going and we got our rewards in the end with a terrific finish from Yanic Wildschut.

"We always felt that we could give West Brom problems and we stressed to the lads before the game that we were not coming to sit back and soak up pressure. When we attacked we looked dangerous.

"Josh Magennis had a terrific game, ran his socks off and our supporters have taken to him already. He gave everything for the shirt. The goal was a bonus and he can build on that."

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