Salomon Rondon helps West Brom edge through at Bristol City

Salomon Rondon’s second-half strike saw West Bromwich Albion past a dogged Bristol City and into an Emirates FA Cup fourth round tie at home to League One’s Peterborough United.

Only a last-gasp James Morrison goal salvaged a 2-2 draw for Premier League West Brom at The Hawthorns – and neither were the Robins about to roll over in the replay at Ashton Gate.

But the hosts, who are currently in the Championship’s relegation places, fell behind early in the second half after Rondon tucked away his fourth goal of the season.

West Brom came under heavy pressure in the last 10 minutes but it was not to be for the the Robins, who are currently without a manager after the departure of Steve Cotterill.

The home side started brightly and Wes Burns, who scored the winner in the league clash with Middlesbrough on Saturday, latched onto Bobby Reid’s threaded ball with 15 minutes gone but his shot fizzed wide of the post.

West Brom left-back Chris Brunt was forced off due to a calf injury moments later, but the visitors showed signs of life when Craig Gardner narrowly missed the target from just outside the area.

A nip-and-tuck first half finished with a flourish as first Gareth McAuley headed over from close range after Gardner had seen his initial shot blocked.

And deep into stoppage time, Luke Freeman’s free-kick looked set to get Ashton Gate rocking but it curled a shade wide of the post.

Aaron Wilbraham attempts an overhead kick for Bristol City

But a moment of quality saw the Robins come unstuck shortly after half-time, as Rondon chested down Craig Dawson’s cross into the penalty area and slotted past teenage goalkeeper Max O’Leary.

The goal galvanised West Brom and the lively Stephane Sessegnon nearly found his way through the hosts’ defence before the ball was hacked clear.

The Robins then served notice that the tie was far from over on the hour-mark, as only close attention from McAuley prevented Aaron Wilbraham from getting as much contact on Burns’ cross as he would have liked.

Luke Freeman chips a free-kick over the West Brom wall

West Brom controlled the flow of the game for much of the next 20 minutes, but Burns started to prod and probe on the wing.

And Ben Foster dropped one of Burns’ crosses to cause momentary panic in the Baggies’ penalty area, but the England stopper was equal to Nathan Baker’s header from the resulting corner.

With time running out for the Robins, Tony Pulis chose to shore up West Brom's defence by bringing James Chester on for goalscorer Rondon.

Ultimately there was to be no last-ditch dramatics this time around, as Reid scuffed a corner in injury time and with that the home side's last chance was lost.

Bristol City (4-3-3): Max O’Leary; Mark Little, Aden Flint, Nathan Baker, Derrick Williams; Bobby Reid, Marlon Pack, Luke Freeman; Wes Burns, Aaron Wilbraham, Scott Wagstaff

Substitutes: Jonathan Kodjia for Freeman 66, Luke Ayling for Little 78, Kieran Agard for Scott Wagstaff 85

Substitutes not used: Zak Vyner, Joe Bryan, Joseph Wollacott, Joe Morrell

West Bromwich Albion (4-4-2): Ben Foster; Craig Dawson, Gareth McAuley, Jonny Evans, Chris Brunt; Stephane Sessegnon, Craig Gardner, Claudio Yacob, James McClean; Salomon Rondon, Victor Anichebe

Substitutes: Sebastian Pocognoli for Brunt 17, James Chester for Rondon 87, Rickie Lambert for Anichebe 90

Substitutes not used: Cristian Gamboa, Callum McManaman, Anders Lindegaard, Jonathan Leko

Goals: Rondon 52

Attendance: 15,185

Referee: Jonathan Moss