West Brom 1 Hull 1: Tigers bang on schedule, insists Steve Bruce

Steve Bruce declared Hull City are on schedule to beat the drop after the Tigers picked up a valuable point against West Bromwich Albion.

Hull midfielder Jake Livermore had given the visitors a first-half lead against the Baggies before Czech striker Vydra netted an 87th-minute leveller.

We’re 20 points at Christmas so we’re bang on schedule

Steve Bruce

But Tigers manager Bruce felt his side should have secured maximum points from the Hawthorns clash.

“It feels in the dressing room afterwards like we have lost the game,” Bruce told BBC Sport.

“I can’t remember my goalkeeper making a save in the second half. We frustrated West Brom and counter-attacked them and Jake Livermore took his goal well.

“We had the best chance to seal it and at 2-0 we would have put the game to bed but Ben Foster has made a great double save.

“Maybe I’m nit-picking but we’re frustrated and disappointed. Before the game we probably would have taken a point. We’re 20 points at Christmas so we’re bang on schedule.”

Meanwhile, caretaker West Brom manager Keith Downing praised the home side’s response in the second half after a difficult opening period.

“I thoroughly enjoyed my first 90 minutes in charge and enjoyed the day. We’d liked to have won at home but a point after four straight defeats is important for us.

“We were not great in the first half and you saw a team that was a little bit anxious and a little bit edgy. But in the second period the players responded well and showed some heart.

“It was a well-worked goal and I’m pleased for Matej Vydra who has persevered since he’s come here and taken it well.”