Fulham 1-1 West Brom: Woy's happy return

Roy Hodgson thanked the Fulham fans for welcoming him back - and then sneaked off with a point.

West Brom boss Hodgson made an inspired substitution and Somen Tchoyi grabbed an 83rd minute leveller to deny Fulham victory after Clint Dempsey's 16th goal of the season.

Ex-Fulham boss Hodgson, who laughed at a 'Welcome Back Woy' banner as he walked out before kick-off, said: "It was a fantastic reception from the crowd and it was nice to get that.

"It's good to know that the good times are remembered and appreciated. Tchoyi is a dangerous player, he is unpredictable. Our away form is good but now we have to start getting victories at home."

Fulham boss Martin Jol admitted he was disappointed not to win but claimed Dempsey can score enough goals to make up for Bobby Zamora's £6m move to QPR after their fall-out.

Jol said: "It had been lingering on with Bobby for months. You will have to ask Bobby why (he left). But we sold him and I'm optimistic we have more good players here.

"Cliny scored, he is top scorer and it was a great finish. I really thought we would get three points but I can live with a draw."

It was an awful first half and rather typical of a game involving Hodgson as West Brom were well organised, cancelled Fulham out and did everything neatly if with little flair.

It was not until the 51st minute that a flash point came when Fulham captain Danny Murphy was lucky only to be booked for going in studs up on Graham Dorrans.

Even luckier when you consider Blackburn striker Yakubu saw red last month for a very similar challenge on Murphy at Ewood Park. But once again the inconsistencies of referees was highlighted.

But just when it seemed the game was heading towards stalemate, Dempsey provided a moment of magic.

Dorrans' clumsy clearance fell to Bryan Ruiz, his reverse pass found Dempsey and the American striker wrong footed West Brom keeper Ben Foster with a super finish into the bottom corner.

But it was not enough to beat brave West Brom as James Morrison's through ball released supersub Tchoyi and his shot beat David Stockdale even though the Fulham keeper got a hand to the ball.