It’s the Greatest Derby in terms of the financial reward at stake – and it’s hard to believe there has been a better derby clash than Part One of the Wolves-Albion play-off showdown, writes blogger Andy Toft.

Whether your allegiance is shot through with gold and black, blue and white stripes or has a neutral tone, no-one could deny yesterday’s Molineux encounter was football at its exhilirating best.

The pendulum swung into overdrive even before a ball was kicked in anger with the news of Matt Murray’s injury appearing to give the Baggies an unexpected advantage.

And it continued to rebound from side to side throughout an afternoon when predicting a result was as tricky as catching a fly with chopsticks.

But the events on the pitch were only part of the story.

For anyone fortunate enough to be inside Molineux the afternoon will live long in the memory for the fabulous atmosphere which provided a worthy backdrop to the game.

We are used to hearing about the virtues of particular sets of supporters all over the country – the perpetually lauded hotbeds of the north east, Merseyside and so on.

Yesterday’s spectacle at Molineux was a deafening, spine-tingling reminder that the flame of footballing passion burns as fervently in the Black Country as anywhere else.

These were two great old footballing names doing justice to their heritage by producing an occasion lovers of the game all over the land would have sat up and taken notice of.

After the desire and commitment shown by players and fans alike it’s a shame either club must miss out on a shot at Premiership football.

But that is the steely reality and it’s Albion who now have the edge.

Wolves were the better team during a thunderous, frantic first half when their high-tempo approach siezed the initiative.

Energy levels were bound to dip eventually and the tipping point came midway through the second half.

At that juncture composure and technique became the key factors – and it was Albion who carried those qualities in greater abundance.

Their perceived superiority in class became a reality.

As such they should be too strong for their rivals at The Hawthorns.

But Wolves are now back in familiar territory – with nothing to lose and everything to gain.

There could still be a surprise twist in what is already a captivating story.