Styles rescues West Brom point against QPR as return to top spot slips away

West Bromwich Albion missed the chance to return to the top of the Championship after drawing 1-1 with Queens Park Rangers at The Hawthorns on Saturday. Callum Styles supplied the equaliser, with the Guardian reporting that Albion remained unable to reclaim first place after West Ham's Friday victory over Wrexham.

Rangers went ahead in the 38th minute through an unfortunate own goal by Chris Mepham. Kwame Poku released Rumarn Burrell, who beat his marker and drew a diving stop from Max O'Leary. The goalkeeper's save did not end the danger: the rebound struck Mepham's head and went into the empty goal.

The lead survived only three minutes. Deployed at right-back, an unfamiliar position for him, Styles curled a low effort into the net from outside the penalty area. His response ensured Albion extended their unbeaten sequence at home to 11 matches, although they could not turn the recovery into a victory.

Sky Sports reported that both teams made five changes, with Toby Collyer and Conor Townsend making their first starts since rejoining Albion. Mepham captained the hosts. Before the opening goal, Aune Heggebo had met a Collyer delivery with a powerful effort that appeared to hit the crossbar but actually struck the support behind the goal.

There were chances at both ends after the interval. QPR goalkeeper Pierce Charles turned away an Isaac Price free-kick, while Jayson Molumby headed a Styles corner wide. O'Leary was also called into action, making a flying save when Poku found space inside the penalty area and later stopping a Burrell header close to the foot of the post.

Albion still had an opportunity to settle the contest late on, but substitute Jimmy-Jay Morgan shot over after bringing down Molumby's cross with his head. Neither side could find the decisive second goal. Alongside West Brom's continuing home sequence, Sky Sports noted that QPR's away record remained unbeaten this season, giving the visitors another point on their travels.