West Brom's Gareth McAuley: It's time to practise penalties

Bournemouth keeper Artur Boruc saved Craig Gardner's penalty at the end of the first half to stop the Baggies taking a 2-0 lead on Saturday.

Tony Pulis's side were made to pay eight minutes from time when Cherries substitute Matt Ritchie headed in an equaliser.

James Morrison had a penalty saved against Chelsea at the start of the season and Saido Berahino saw two saved at home to Watford last month.

"It's about time we did convert one," said McAuley.

"We go 2-0 up and things are different. It's something we'll have to practise."

Gardner wrestled the ball off Salomon Rondon – who had already headed Albion into the lead – before Boruc tipped his shot onto the bar.

But Pulis confirmed after the game that the midfielder was on penalty duty with usual taker Saido Berahino on the bench.

McAuley says Gardner was understandably dejected in the dressing room but expects the 29-year-old to recover quickly.

"He struck the penalty well, but Boruc made a great save," said McAuley.

"He's unlucky the rebound didn't fall to him either. He's a strong character so he'll get over it."

Pulis thought Bournemouth midfielder Harry Arter should have been sent off for a number of bookable offences including a push on McAuley after being caught by the Albion defender.

But Albion's 36-year-old defender waved off the incident.

"I've cleared it and caught him on the follow-through," he said.

"He wasn't happy. I spoke to him afterwards and told him I didn't mean anything and he said no bother. It was just heat of the moment stuff."

Eddie Howe's team equalised from a long throw inadvertently flicked on by Claudio Yacob.

"It was a probably a case of too many cooks and too many bodies in there," said McAuley.

"This period is not good enough, we've only picked up three points in eight games.

"Hopefully next week we can finish on a high with a good win."