West Brom blew the chance to move level on points with Division One leaders Norwich as Chris Sedgwick's strike earned Rotherham a shock victory at The Hawthorns.

Sedgwick capitalised on some shoddy defending before keeping his cool to fire past goalkeeper Russell Hoult after 73 minutes.

It was harsh on the home side who had the lion's share of possession, but failed to convert dominance into goals against a stout Rotherham rearguard in no mood for compromise.

And when the Baggies did breach Rotherham's watertight defence, they found goalkeeper Mike Pollitt in inspired form.

Indeed, it was Pollitt's heroics which helped his side to a memorable victory with a flying fingertip save to flick Jason Koumas' free-kick onto the crossbar in the final minutes of the game.

It was a measure of the Baggies' early dominance that they almost opened the scoring after five minutes when Andy Johnson's fierce drive from the edge of the penalty area fizzed just wide of the right-hand post.

Shortly afterwards, the home side came even closer to taking the lead when Geoff Horsfield's neat glancing header was goalbound, but superbly parried away for a corner by goalkeeper Pollitt.

Rotherham boss Ronnie Moore's gameplan was dealt a major blow when Martin Butler sustained an injury and had to be replaced by Richie Barker.

But rather than have an adverse effect on the visitors, the forced change altered the flow of the contest and Rotherham slowly dragged themselves into the game - arguably finishing the half the stronger of the two sides.

Gary Megson's frustration was encapsulated 11 minutes into the second half when he replaced Lee Hughes, Paul Robinson and Mark Kinsella with Delroy Facey, Sean Gregan and Joost Volmer.

The triple substitution had the desired effect, and normal business was resumed - with West Brom laying siege on the Rotherham goal.

Horsfield's magnificent volley on the hour mark skidded inches wide and almost raised the roof as Albion supporters sensed a breakthrough.

However, when the breakthrough did arrive, it was at the other end as Sedgwick scored what proved the winner - completely against the run of play.

A hopeful long ball was not dealt with, and Barker's flick-on unlocked the West Brom defence to enable Sedgwick a clear run on goal. The Millers winger kept his composure and slotted the ball home from 10 yards.

However, Hoult - back in the West Brom starting XI after recovering from a back injury - will not be happy with his contribution as he was slow to react to the danger.

Predictably, West Brom rallied gamely and Koumas' 25-yard free-kick in the closing stages seemed destined to earn his side a point.

But Pollitt - in start contrast to the sluggish Hoult - was on his toes and flung his body across the face of goal to touch the ball onto the crossbar and over for a corner with five minutes remaining.

Teams

West Brom Hoult, Haas, Robinson (Volmer 56), Moore, Gaardsoe, Johnson, Clement, Koumas, Kinsella (Gregan 56), Hughes (Facey 55), Horsfield.

Subs Not Used: Murphy, Dyer.

Rotherham Pollitt, Stockdale, Hurst, Swailes, Shaun Barker, Sedgwick, Monkhouse, Garner, Mullin, Proctor (Warne 74), Butler (Richard Barker 24).

Subs Not Used: Montgomery, Baudet, Minto.

Booked: Mullin.

Goals: Sedgwick 73.

Att: 24,104

Ref: A Bates (Staffordshire).