Albion’s patience paid off in a valuable victory over Peterborough at the Hawthorns.

The Baggies were not at their best, but a Luke Moore strike and a Ryan Bennett own goal were enough to secure maximum points.

Both goals came in the second half after the Baggies had laboured before the break.

But the Baggies always held the upper hand in terms of possession and goalkeeper Dean Kiely was a virtual spectator until the closing stages, when the veteran was called upon to make two smart saves.

Albion had the better of the opening 45 minutes, but it was a half of few chances and precious little inspiration.

Jerome Thomas carried the Baggies’ greatest threat and his volley from outside the box early on flew over the bar. But Craig Mackail-Smith could have given the visitors the lead on 10 minutes.

George Boyd found space on the left and crossed to the unmarked Mackail-Smith at the near post, but the striker could not make contact.

But the best chance of the half came 11 minutes before the interval when a 20-yard shot from Thomas ballooned up off a defender towards Gianni Zuiverloon at the far post.

But the Dutchman’s technique let him down and his effort cleared the crossbar.

The second- half continued in a similar manner to the first, but Albion continued to press and they eventually forced their way in front on 61 minutes.

Graham Dorrans was the creator after breaking from his own half and progressed to the edge of the Posh box, before tricking his way past two defenders and picking out Moore.

The striker turned towards goal and hit a right-footed shot that crept in, despite Joe Lewis in the visitors’ goal getting a hand to it.

It was 2-0 six minutes later with Dorrans and Moore again having a hand in the goal.

Moore’s volley from outside the box looped towards goal and Dorrans pressurised Bennett, forcing the defender to head into his own net.

Albion could have extended their lead in the closing stages and Chris Brunt picked out substitute Chris Wood, who burst clear but fired just wide.