WOLVERHAMPTON, England (AFP) - Diomansy Kamara put West Bromwich Albion in pole position to reach the Championship play-off final as his late strike clinched a 3-2 win at Wolverhampton on Sunday.

Kamara capped a dramatic fightback by Tony Mowbray's side in the semi-final first leg at Molineux. They went ahead through Kevin Phillips but Wolverhampton took control thanks to goals from Jody Craddock and Seyi Olofinjana.

West Bromwich refused to be subdued by their bitter local rivals and responded with an equaliser from Phillips before Senegal forward Kamara hit the winner with 17 minutes to play.

Kamara's 23rd goal of the season means Mowbray's team will start the second leg on Wednesday as favourites to reach the Wembley final against Southampton or Derby, with the prize of a place in the Premiership at stake.

Wolverhampton's preparations for the biggest match of their recent history were rocked when goalkeeper Matt Murray suffered a suspected broken shoulder in training. Young reserve Wayne Hennessey was given a baptism of fire as he made his debut in Murray's place.

Despite that setback, Mick McCarthy's side started brightly. Andy Keogh should have done better than head straight at Dean Kiely before Michael Kightly drew a fine stop from the visitor's keeper with a cheeky chip.

It took an alert goalline clearance from Robert Koren to deny Olofinjana after the Nigerian met Michael McIndoe's corner with a powerful header.

West Bromwich had limped into the play-offs after a late-season stutter but they were inspired by the chance to earn bragging rights against their most hated opponents and snatched the lead in the 25th minute.

There appeared little danger when Phillips seized possession on the edge of the area, but the former England forward quickly assessed his options before driving a superb shot past Hennessey.

Wolverhampton responded well to that setback and Kightly went close twice in quick succession before Bothroyd headed McIndoe's cross over the bar.

After so many near-misses, Wolverhampton finally equalised in the 44th minute. Keogh whipped in a precise cross and Craddock rose highest to thump a header past Kiely.

They were in front in the 52nd minute when Olofinjana bundled home from close range after McIndoe flicked on a swirling cross.

But the visitors had already enjoyed an FA Cup victory at Molineux this season and they were to inflict more pain on their neighbours. They drew level two minutes after falling behind thanks to a clinical header from Phillips.

Kamara, playing his first match after a suspension, had the last word in the 73rd minute. Gary Breen played Kamara onside and he sprinted clear to beat Hennessey with a ferocious shot that flashed in at the near post.