West Brom boss left gutted by equaliser

West Brom boss Alan Irvine was left "bitterly disappointed" after Daley Blind's late equaliser denied them an historic victory over Manchester United.

Blind struck with two minutes remaining to spare United from a first Hawthorns defeat in 30 years.

Saido Berahino looked set to give Albion victory after Marouane Fellaini cancelled out Stephane Sessegnon's opener.

Irvine said: "We're all bitterly disappointed. We ,were so close to getting a great result against a great, top team so for us not to get three points is tough.

"The players were terrific and they worked really hard and at times we passed the ball really well. They are doing really well just now. They're a great group."

Berahino's 66th-minute goal – his seventh of the season – looked set to hand the Baggies their historic win, but Blind fired United level with two minutes remaining to leave the sides with a point each.

Stephane Sessegnon had put the Baggies ahead on eight minutes with a brilliant strike, only for half-time substitute Fellaini to blast United level after just three minutes on the field.

Berahino said: "I thought we did really well to get the second goal and we were just disappointed concede.

"I just thought if I stayed focused then, when a chance came along, I'd back myself to take it.

"I'm just letting my football do the talking at the moment and the goals are coming, so I'm grateful."

Centre-back Craig Dawson, who enjoyed another excellent game, added: "We're gutted but it was a great team performance and we did well to get the second goal but it was disappointing that we didn't hold on.

"It was a difficult game because they have got great players and a great team. We're disappointed but there are lots of positives to take into the next game."

Meanwhile, the Baggies have announced plans for an 'Albion Assembly,' allowing fans to meet with club officials on a regular basis.

The group, which will be similar to Wolves' 'fans' parliament' will replace the previous supporters' consultation group and details of meetings will be published on the club website.

Director of communications Martin Swain has appealed for fans interested in joining to write to the club.

He said: "We all know last season brought to a head genuine complaints that the club had become detached.

"We need to change that and the Albion Assembly is one of the key agents of that change."