Hotshots Jason Roberts and Lee Hughes tormented Bolton defenders Gudni Bergsson and Scotland international Colin Hendry throughout the semi-final first leg clash at The Hawthorns, which ended 2-2.

West Brom's deadly duo have scored 40 goals between them this season, but some wasteful finishing by Hughes this time prevented the Baggies from putting the tie completely out of Bolton's reach.

But having scored one goal apiece to put Gary Megson's side 2-0 up, Roberts and Hughes had to then watch as Bolton pulled off their own version of The Great Escape to score two goals in the last nine minutes.

Realistically, Bolton will start the second leg at the Reebok Stadium on Thursday as favourites, but Roberts and Hughes are sure to question that.

"The back two did not cope well with Hughes and Roberts. I thought they were outstanding and caused Hendry and Bergsson a real lot of problems.

"They played well, as well as anybody has played as a pair this season that we have come up against."

Megson felt it was a massive compliment to his front two that Bolton were forced to replace Hendry once Hughes had put the Baggies 2-0 ahead.

The Hawthorns boss clearly did his homework as the pace of Roberts and Hughes gave Bergsson and Hendry a torrid time.

Especially Hendry, who was booked in the first half for taking off his shirt and offering it to Roberts after they tangled for the umpteenth time.

Roberts then used his pace to shake off the presence of Bergsson to slot home his 17th goal of the season to give his side a 43rd-minute lead.

Hughes then netted his 23rd goal of the season seven minutes after the break from the penalty spot following Hendry's clumsy challenge on Roberts.

Hendry was immediately put out of his misery by being replaced by Mike Whitlow, with Allardyce admitting: "I feared for him getting sent off.

"He had already been booked and another tackle could have caused us to be down to 10 men and 2-0 down - there would have been no way back."

But thanks to goals from Bergsson and an 87th-minute penalty by substitute Per Frandsen, Bolton have given themselves a great chance of ending their play-off curse and move one step nearer a return to the Premiership.

Allardyce certainly feels the late show has given his players the impetus to complete the task of leading the club back into the top-flight.

"When we went 2-0 down, I am sure everybody, like myself, was thinking it's First Division football again," Allardyce added.

"But we have given ourselves a great chance to move one step further now, though it will not be easy.

"When you have come back from 2-0 down away from home and have drawn 2-2, it gives you a fantastic lift and it has boosted the players' confidence and it should give them the desire to try and finish the job off.