Promotion hopefuls West Brom recovered to earn a point as Palace let an early two-goal lead slip at Selhurst Park.

Mikael Forssell and Jamie Pollock fired the Eagles into a two-goal lead within six minutes, but Albion came back with goals from Richard Sneekes on 41 minutes and Lee Hughes 10 minutes after the break.

An exciting match saw the Eagles in front on two minutes after Darrell Burgess failed to make a good headed clearance and Forssell took full advantage and from 10 yards out slipped the ball past Danish keeper Brian Jenson.

Within four minutes, Palace doubled their lead after Simon Rodger's inswinging corner was met perfectly by Pollock at the far post who headed firmly into the roof of the net.

Albion replied, missing two easy chances with Hughes firing wide in front of an open goal, and Jason Roberts guilty of an even worse miss allowing Alex Kolinko to make a grateful save.

Four minutes before the break, the Baggies pulled one back with Sneekes driving a 25-yard free-kick giving Kolinko no chance as the ball flew into the top corner of the net.

After the break, Albion went flat out in search of an early breakthrough. Hughes and Roberts forced Kolinko to make spectacular saves before Hughes eventually levelled on 55 minutes with his 18th goal of the season.

Palace's defence was looking for the offside as Hughes races through totally unchallenged before dribbling around the advancing Kolinko and then placing the ball into the open net.

The Eagles protested fiercely that the flag was kept down but within five minutes it was Albion's turn to confront the referee's assistant. After receiving a perfect pass from Hughes, Roberts fired low into the corner and with the entire Albion team celebrating, the referee's assistant called the referee back and the decision was reversed.

Albion finished the stronger with Hughes and Roberts squandering excellent chances to complete a remarkable recovery.

Teams:

Crystal Palace: Kolinko, Smith, Austin, Ruddock, Harrison, Rubins, Rodger, Thomson (Black 64), Pollock, Forssell, Morrison (Freedman 75).

Subs Not Used: Frampton, Carlisle, Kabba.

Goals: Forssell 2, Pollock 6.

West Brom: Jensen, Lyttle, Clement, James Chambers, Burgess, Fox (Jordao 79), Appleton, Sneekes, Van Blerk, Hughes, Roberts (Taylor 83).

Subs Not Used: Quinn, Adam Chambers, Adamson.

Goals: Sneekes 42, Hughes 55.

Att: 16,692

Ref: M Jones (Chester).