Albion 0 Stoke 3

Albion's hoodoo against Stoke continues and the Baggies will wonder how they ended up the losers.

Contentious penalties in the second-half, coverted by Matthew Etherington and substitute Jonathan Walters, had Roberto Di Matteo's side chasing the game, with Walters' second in stoppage time harsh on the home side.

The first 45 minutes offered little in the way of goalmouth action but, as would become the trend in the game, it was Albion who held the greater territorial advantage.

However, it was Stoke who made the breakthrough on 55 minutes when referee Chris Foy pointed to the spot, after striker Kenwyne Jones went down under a challenge from goalkeeper Scott Carson - some might say a little too easily.

Up stepped Etherington to drill the penalty to Carson's left, after he had guessed the right way.

Albion continued to press in search of an equaliser and enjoyed the lion's share of the possession, but Somen Tchoyi missed their best chance on 75 minutes.

The substitute flung himself at Jerome Thomas' cross and got his header on goal, but goalkeeper Asmir Begovic did well to tip the ball over the bar.

And the Baggies were made to pay when Stoke killed the game with a second 10 minutes later, again from the penalty spot.

The second call was even more contentious than the first, substitute Simon Cox was shoulder-to-shoulder with Dean Whitehead, who tumbled over.

This time Walters, on for Etherington, took the spot kick and sent Carson the wrong way.

Insult was added to injury in stoppage time with Walters' second.

The Stoke substitute broke through on goal and, although Carson managed to stop the first effort, he could do little about the rebound.

Stoke's victory made it just one win in 26 for Albion against the Potters.