Unity triumphed at the Hawthorns as Albion edged another step closer to the Premier League.

Harmony returned to the stands last night after the weekend’s tensions while, on the field, the Baggies recorded a major victory for togetherness.

No-one shone in stripes but no-one flopped. The upshot was a performance and result that was greater than the sum of its parts.

Steven Reid proved to be the match-winner with his first goal in Baggies colours midway through a first-half dominated for the most part by the hosts.

But victory was secured with an all-hands-to-the-pump second half-display in which Roberto Di Matteo’s men stood firm in the face of a relentless battering by a spirited Sky Blues side.

Every one of the 14 players on duty played his part in restoring the eight-point cushion over third-placed Nottingham Forest. But, crucially, so did the thousands on the sidelines who kept their nerve when the heat was on.

From the rousing pre-match response to substitute Luke Moore, to the rapturous reception for captain Scott Carson before kick-off, to the steadfast support in a finale of high-tension; the Hawthorns faithful had a major role in another significant evening of progress.

After Moore had borne the brunt of tensions spilling over on Saturday, fans spoke with one, supportive voice last night, as though the Hawthorns whips had responded to the weekend dissent by rallying the would-be rebels and getting everyone back ‘on message.’

The result was a win less convincing, but more satisfying as several of the hidings Albion handed out earlier in the season.

On the pitch, a pleasing first-half performance gave way to a tired display after the interval as the hosts ran out of steam folowing a draining yet pivotal fortnight in their compelling season.

Only a combined iron will and some stoical support saw them safely through the Sky Blue storm that came their way in the second 45 minutes.

But somehow they emerged unscathed to find themselves once more within sight of their target.

It was fitting that another new entrant should add his name to the extraordinary list of goalscorers that now stands 19-strong in a season when teamwork has been the watchword.

At crucial moments in a campaign of many highs but several, memorable lows, different players have stepped forward to accept the responsibility of dragging Albion up by their bootlaces.

As a consequence, they have matched in 39 matches the points total of 78 that they took 45 games to reach two seasons ago. Just like their season, last night included some moments of concern for Albion and their fans.

But they retained a united front to deliver another hammer blow to Forest’s hopes of overhauling their lead.

Albion made the perfect start to get any doubters on their side with a positive approach from the outset. Graham Dorrans tried a long-range shot while Chris Brunt saw his far-post cross almost creep in.

Joe Mattock made a positive early impression on his return and laid on an excellent chance for Ben Watson, surging forward from left-back to deliver a fine cross into the goalmouth, but the midfielder failed to make a clean connection with his head.

Coventry were struggling to escape their own half in the early stages and Albion’s early pressure reaped rewards on 22 minutes thanks to Reid’s telling touch.

Brunt’s superb corner from the right should have provided Abdoulaye Meite with his first goal of the season but, when the centre-back failed to make contact with his head a couple of yards out, Reid slid in at the far post to divert it home.

They should have doubled their lead just before the half-hour but Ishmael Miller fluffed his lines.

Robert Koren turned Dorrans’ through-ball expertly into the path of the striker but he scuffed his left-footed shot and Westwood saved comfortably.

Three minutes before the break, came another fine chance for a second goal as Dorrans’ free-kick was met at the far post by Robert Koren who failed to make a clean connection.

Westwood grabbed it and the chance was gone, despite half-hearted claims from the home side that the goalkeeper had clawed it back from over the goal-line.

Their appeals should have carried more conviction, as replays suggested they ball was in.

The home side began the second half purposefully, too, and Miller twice had opportunities to score; first when a header from a Brunt cross was nodded away by James McPake, and then when his shot flew over the bar after a sharp turn on the edge of the box.

But there were still alarm bells for the Baggies which began to get louder, not least when Youssouf Mulumbu was caught in possession and Jon Stead skipped through the middle, forcing Meite to make an expertly-timed challenge just inside the box.

There were hearts in mouths again just after the hour-mark when a Sammy Clingan free-kick found its way through a crowded Albion box and a sliding Stead turned the ball a fraction wide.

The scares kept coming for Albion and Gabriel Tamas came to their rescue, clearing hurriedly off the line after Richard Wood had risen at the far post to head Carl Baker’s cross goalwards.

Coventry won a succession of corners as the game entered its final stages, with the home side forced into some frantic defending.

Nerves were fraying when a quick free-kick found Freddy Eastwood out wide to pick out Freddie Sears, but Albion somehow robbed the youngster and Watson hacked the ball clear.

The drama continued until the final kick of the game, which saw substitute Clinton Morrison meet a long throw-in and turn it onto the base of Carson’s left-hand post.

Yet even as the team hung on for grim death, their followers refused to waver in their support, as though Saturday’s brush with disharmony had shocked them back to their senses.

Seconds after the woodwork came to their rescue, the final whistle put an end to their stress. They could them acclaim their part in a success for solidarity.

By Steve Madeley