Ghanaian forward Brandon Thomas-Asante says his equalising goal at Chesterfield is an Emirates FA Cup lifeline they would have happily taken heading into second-half injury time at the Technique Stadium.
The Baggies were trailing 3-2 to the Vanarama National League promotion-chasers and just moments away from heading out of the competition at the third-round stage.
However, the striker made a dart into the box and brilliantly headed home Taylor Gardner-Hickman’s clever delivery to notch his second of the day, force a replay and snatch victory away from the Spireites.
And although it wasn’t the result or performance Albion wanted to leave the East Midlands with, Brandon believes the goal is a big one as it keeps them involved in this season’s tournament.
“The result was testament to the character of the boys,” said Brandon.
“We’re not a team who gives up easily and we’re going to have times where we’ll have to weather a storm in matches. But we don’t give up and always go till the end.
“We scored early, we scored late, so it shows that at any point in the game, even when things are going against us, we’ve always got a chance and I think we can certainly take positives from that.
“The goal at the end was thanks to tremendous play by Taylor. Sometimes, as a striker, you’re hopeful that people see the runs you’re making.
“Luckily, I’m in a team where people see those runs a lot which I’m really enjoying. Taylor was just another example of that, plucking the ball behind their defence and I’m just grateful that it went in.
“There are a lot of quality players in Chesterfield’s squad. There’s also players looking for an opportunity to make the similar step that I’ve made and they were always going to give a good account of themselves.
“It was down to us to play with a lot of pride and if you look at the English standings, there was a disparity between the two teams going into the match.
“But you have to turn up on the day in every game and even though it wasn’t easy, we managed to get something out of it to take home.
“The travelling fans definitely helped us through the game.
“Even though we were away, we could feel their support and if we can bring that to The Hawthorns for the replay then it’s going to be tough for the opposition.”
