West Brom 1 Charlton 1: Albion frustrated as stubborn Addicks hit back for point

Albion were frustrated as Charlton struck with their only shot on target to earn a point at The Hawthorns.

Patience appeared to have paid off for James Morrison’s hosts as left-back Callum Styles struck his first goal in 16 months with a rocket on the hour.

But the Addicks, who lost their 100 per cent winning record in a fourth Championship fixture, hit back through Tyreece Campbell in a rare foray into Albion’s penalty box.

James Morrison’s men were denied the three home points and did not do enough in the final 20 minutes to trouble Arthur Okonkwo in the search of a winner.

Kareem Tunde enjoyed a bright 45 minutes on his first Baggies start, and there was more promise shown by his replacement, the exciting Rabby Nzingoula, who helped his side find the lead.

It was not to be three points on a muted evening at The Hawthorns in the first of three home games in 11 days. Morrison’s men take a share of the spoils into Saturday’s visit of Watford.

Tunde’s first start - and home debut - on the right flank added some welcome natural balance and width to the side.

It was noticeable early on as Felix Horn Myhre sent an awkward header over.

Left-back Styles sent a low strike wide from range after quick-thinking from Isaac Price, a common occurrence in the first period.

Charlton were happy for Albion to have the ball - 70 per cent of it in the early stages. They retained a threat on the break but only through Baggies lapses. Karlan Grant had bright moments on his Hawthorns return.

Tunde buzzed and wanted the ball and sent a low drive from 22 yards just a few inches wide midway through the half. Moments later more ingenuity from a quick free-kick, this time by Jimmy-Jay Morgan, released Price into the box from the left. His awkward scooped effort from an angle was saved by Arthur Okonkwo.

The industrious Jayson Molumby got in good positions to link with Tunde. Horn Myhre started well but faded.

Stubborn Charlton were tough to unlock at a muted Hawthorns where the fans needed a spark to ratchet up the volume.

Morrison opted to withdraw debutant Tunde for Nzingoula on the right at the interval.

Price had a strike from a good position deflect wide 20 seconds after the restart. It took barely five minutes for some Nzingoula silky feet to trouble Charlton.

Nzingoula had changed things and was denied by a good Arthur Okonkwo save after starting a move and being picked out by Galves.

The stubborn visitors needed some magic to break them down and it came just shy of the hour. The resulting corner unlocked the door.

The delivery was half-cleared by a poor header to Styles who, just outside the box, took a touch and unleashed a rocket that whizzed high past Okonkwo before he could blink.

Morrison’s men pushed for more. Nzingoula enjoyed himself and fizzed wide of the near post with his left foot after a bright run.

But Albion’s opener appeared to poke away boss Jones. He made three changes immediately and 10 minutes later the visitors were level.

Two changes Ivan Mesik and Joe Rankin-Costello combined and the former’s cross from the left was not dealt with as big Miles Leaburn caused havoc. The rebound dropped for the unmarked Campbell to hammer into the corner.

The Baggies’ bid to respond was weak and could not find any momentum beyond bright Nzingoula bursts. Morrison sent for Aune Heggebo with 13 minutes left.

Albion worked some decent positions and huffed and puffed but no further opportunities opened up on a frustrating evening.

Albion (4-4-1-1): O’Leary; Galves, Phillips, Campbell (c), Styles; Tunde (Nzingoula, 45), Diakite, Molumby, Price; Horn Myhre (Stewart, 89); Morgan (Heggebo, 77).

Subs not used: Ingram (gk), Mepham, Townsend, Collyer, Bany, Whitwell.

Charlton (4-5-1): Okonkwo; McNamara, Jones (c), Bindon, Bell; Coventry, Mwamba (Mesik, 60), Alli (Rankin-Costello, 60), Campbell, Grant (Ouma, 60); Leaburn (Mbick, 80).

Subs not used: Brooks (gk), Knibbs, Carey, Apter, Nkeng.

Referee: Farai Hallam