Emerton strikes to keep Albion nerves jangling

Three points would have lifted West Bromwich Albion out of the Premiership drop zone last night, but they were forced to settle for one and the slender consolation of going above Norwich City on goal difference and level with Crystal Palace on points. Kieran Richardson's goal sent Albion's hopes soaring, but Blackburn Rovers proved obdurate opponents and deserved the draw earned by Brett Emerton's riposte.

Three points would have lifted West Bromwich Albion out of the Premiership drop zone last night, but they were forced to settle for one and the slender consolation of going above Norwich City on goal difference and level with Crystal Palace on points. Kieran Richardson's goal sent Albion's hopes soaring, but Blackburn Rovers proved obdurate opponents and deserved the draw earned by Brett Emerton's riposte.

Albion's next two games pit them against Arsenal and Manchester United, a schedule which made victory over Blackburn imperative. The visitors had ensured their survival last weekend, yet there were few signs during a tense opening that they would stray far from the attritional approach that has characterised Mark Hughes' management.

A pattern of unconvincing home pressure developed. Geoff Horsfield was booked for diving under Aaron Mokoena's second-minute challenge, though the referee Steve Bennett did refuse Albion two plausible first-half penalties. In the 17th minute, Andy Todd wrestled over Kevin Campbell, while Mokoena appeared to handle Ronnie Wallwork's shot five minutes later.

Blackburn seemed content to attack on the break or to wait for set-pieces. From a long throw-in by Robbie Savage after 15 minutes, Dominic Matteo sent a header on to the roof of the net. However, Albion's growing confidence put Brad Friedel's proud record of having conceded just one goal in eight League games under increasing threat.

The breakthrough arrived in the 32nd minute after Ryan Nelsen brought down Richardson. The Manchester United midfielder, who is on long-term loan from Bryan Robson's old club, picked himself up to curl a cunningly flighted free-kick beyond Friedel from 22 yards. But a 39th-minute shot by Jon Stead, which hit the inside of the post and rebounded into play, was a warning to Robson's men of the fragility of their lead.

A contest that began in balmy weather resumed after the break in torrential rain. Albion needed at least one more goal before they could feel home and dry, so Neil Clement's misdirection of a free header from Richard Chaplow's 50th-minute corner had players, back-room staff and fans burying heads in hands. The defender almost atoned three minutes later with a thunderous free-kick, but Friedel beat the ball aside.

It was to prove a turning point. On 64 minutes, Morten Gamst Pedersen skipped away from Clement on the right flank and delivered a low cross. The ball evaded Stead only to roll into the path of Emerton, who dispatched it coolly into the roof of the net.

Suddenly, the meeting of the division's two lowest-scoring clubs was replete with chances. Zoltan Gera's had no sooner headed against the bar from a Richardson corner than Paul Robinson had to rescue Albion with a desperate saving tackle after Clement had surrendered possession.

West Bromwich Albion (4-4-2): Hoult; Albrechtsen, Gaardsoe, Clement, Robinson; Gera, Wallwork, Richardson, Chaplow (Kanu, 63); Campbell (Scimeca, 63), Horsfield (Earnshaw, 79). Substitutes not used: Kuszczak (gk), Moore.

Blackburn Rovers (4-5-1): Friedel; Neill, Todd, Nelsen, Matteo; Emerton, Reid, Mokoena (Tugay, 56), Savage (Gallagher, 87), Pedersen (Thompson 83); Stead. Substitutes not used: Enckelman (gk), Flitcroft.

Referee: S Bennett (Kent).