Marvin Ducksch struck late to rescue a point for Birmingham City and deny West Bromwich Albion the derby victory their dominance had seemed to merit, as a frenetic West Midlands clash at The Hawthorns ended 1-1.
Alex Mowatt's deflected first-half drive, his first Championship goal of the season and the 50th of his career, had put Albion in front after a blistering start. But a series of missed chances to extend that lead came back to haunt Ryan Mason's side when Ducksch glanced in Tommy Doyle's free-kick 12 minutes from time, his third goal in two games, to earn Chris Davies' Birmingham a draw that keeps them ninth while West Brom sit 17th.
Albion seize control after lightning start
The tone of a classic derby was set inside the opening minute. With just 33 seconds played, Toby Collyer snapped into action in midfield and released Mikey Johnston, who drove forward from halfway before sliding the ball right to Isaac Price. The former Everton midfielder took the shot on early, his angled, rising drive flashing just over James Beadle's crossbar.