West Brom 1 Blackburn Rovers 1: Brett Emerton dealt a massive blow to West Brom's English Premiership survival hopes last night with a second-half equaliser at the Hawthorns. The Australian cancelled out a first-half goal from Kieran Richardson to leave Bryan Robson's side in the bottom three.

Albion made a promising start and a ball over the top from Ronnie Wallwork almost played in Kevin Campbell with Brad Friedel having to come quickly out of his area to hack clear.

After 32 minutes the Hawthorns erupted when Richardson put West Brom ahead with his first goal on home soil since his loan move from Manchester United in January.

Geoff Horsfield won a free-kick on the edge of the Blackburn area after being challenged by Ryan Nelsen. Up stepped Richardson to curl a superb free-kick past the despairing dive of Friedel into the top corner.

However, after 64 minutes, Albion were rocked back on their heels when Emerton brought Rovers back on level terms. Morten Gamst Pedersen made a probing run before squaring the ball across goal and Emerton had time to steady himself before drilling his shot past Russell Hoult.

Albion rallied and a looping Zoltan Gera header hit the bar from Richardson's corner and at the other end Paul Robinson's fine tackle halted Pedersen after a slip by Neil Clement allowed him a run at goal.

Clement had a late opportunity to win the game for Albion, but he could not keep his volley down after a well-timed run into the box.

WEST BROM: Hoult, Albrechtsen, Gaardsoe, Clement, Robinson, Gera, Wallwork, Richardson, Chaplow (Kanu 63), Campbell (Scimeca 63), Horsfield (Earnshaw 79). Subs Not Used: Moore, Kuszczak. Booked: Horsfield, Robinson, Scimeca. Goals: Richardson 32.

BLACKBURN: Friedel, Neill, Todd, Nelsen, Matteo, Emerton, Reid, Mokoena (Tugay 56), Savage (Gallagher 87), Pedersen (Thompson 83), Stead. Subs Not Used: Flitcroft, Enckelman. Booked: Matteo, Pedersen, Todd. Goals: Emerton 64.

Referee: S Bennett (Kent).