CALLUM ROBINSON SCORED a fortuitous goal as Sky Bet Championship leaders West Brom cruised to a comprehensive 3-0 win at play-off hopefuls Bristol City despite Romaine Sawyers’ late red card.
Slaven Bilic’s team, who started with Dara O’Shea in defence, took the lead in the 32nd minute when Robinson was left unmarked into City’s box and, although the advancing Daniel Bentley saved his initial shot, the ball rebounded off the Republic of Ireland international’s face to beat the goalkeeper.
Four minutes later Bentley was at fault when he spilled a shot from Jake Livermore that he should have held and Hal Robson-Kanu was on hand to prod home from close range.
The game erupted after 75 minutes when Sawyers reacted angrily to being fouled by Jamie Paterson and appeared to grab the City substitute by the throat. After consulting an assistant, referee Darren England issued a straight red card.
Bilic remonstrated angrily at the decision but seconds later saw a weak header from Ashley Williams towards Bentley pounced upon by Robson-Kanu, who volleyed in his second to spark wild celebrations in the Albion dugout.
In a tame display, City barely threatened until the 44th minute when a Nahki Wells cross just eluded Callum O’Dowda as it flashed across goal.
Elsewhere, Alan Browne scored the winner as Preston came from a goal down to beat Hull City at Deepdale.
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Hull took the lead through Mallik Wilks shortly before half-time, but quick-fire goals from Paul Gallagher and substitute Browne in the second half helped sixth-placed Preston stay in the promotion race. Fellow Ireland international Sean Maguire made way for Browne on 58 minutes.
Scott Hogan scored a late equaliser to secure a 3-3 draw for Birmingham at home to Sheffield Wednesday.
Wednesday boss Garry Monk buried the hatchet with Pep Clotet on his first return to St Andrew’s since he was sacked as Birmingham manager as they shared the points in an entertaining 3-3 draw.