Late twist as Grant puts Albion on top

KARLAN Grant powered West Brom top of the Championship but they required a helping hand from QPR keeper Seny Dieng. It was quickly becoming a night of frustration for the Baggies as they trailed to Andre Gray’s goal after only 45 seconds and the Hawthorns crowd made their discontent known more than once. But their unbeaten league start was saved when Dieng inexplicably bundled Grant’s left-footed strike into the net despite appearing to have his body behind it. And two minutes from time, Grant was picked out in space by Callum Robinson and had the poise to sweep the ball home. QPR dumped Everton out of the Carabao Cup — with Dieng making the key penalty save — 72 hours earlier but there were no signs of fatigue when Gray galloped on to Moses Odubajo’s ball to slot home. While West Brom controlled the game, the crowd became more irritated with every missed chance. There were jeers when Valerien Ismael subbed Grady Diangana. ‘To give away two goals of that nature is beyond frustrating,’ said QPR boss Mark Warburton. ‘We let ourselves down. They know, seven minutes from the end, they must manage the game better.’ Ismael said: ‘It’s all about patience. The guys deserved the win, they showed great mentality to come from behind and force their destiny.’ Coventry City lie second after a 3-0 win over Peterborough. Gustavo Hamer hit the opener and Viktor Gyokeres added a brace.