07.05.2016 18:35 h

Ritchie strikes as Bournemouth thwart Throstles

Matt Ritchie scored eight minutes from time as Bournemouth came back to draw 1-1 with West Bromwich Albion at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday.

Salomon Rondon put the visitors ahead but Craig Gardner had a penalty saved and Ritchie came off the bench to ensure a share of the spoils.

Both teams are safe from the threat of relegation and end the weekend level on points with West Brom, in 15th place, above the Cherries on goal difference.

Bournemouth won away to Tony Pulis's side earlier this season but they came into this, their penultimate match of the campaign, having suffered five defeats in six games.

And it was West Brom who went in front in the 16th minute, Venezuelan forward Rondon using his strength to hold off Steve Cook and head home a cross by Jonny Evans.

They were handed a glorious chance to double their lead shortly before half-time when Tommy Elphick was adjudged to have fouled Gareth McAuley in the box but Gardner's resulting spot-kick was turned onto the bar by Artur Boruc.

The Polish goalkeeper then saved from Cook's attempted clearance as Bournemouth scrambled the ball clear.

That proved to be a pivotal moment in the game as Eddie Howe's men fought back to secure a draw in the second half thanks to Ritchie's intervention.

Not long on, the Scotland winger headed in after Albion's Claudio Yacob had helped on a throw in.

Craig Dawson struck the woodwork as the Baggies went in search of a winner, but they have now collected just three points from a possible 24 since beating Manchester United in early March.