Super Baggies march on
Albion took another major step towards the Premier League with victory at Norwich.
Albion took another major step towards the Premier League with victory at Norwich.
Tony Mowbray's side cemented their position at the top of the Championship as goals by Robert Koren and Zoltan Gera saw off the Canaries.
And Albion, who flew to East Anglia yesterday, left Norfolk with their spirits soaring and with promotion now within touching distance.
Struggles elsewhere for promotion rivals Hull and Watford made it an even better afternoon for Tony Mowbray's men.
But the win was not without its nerve-dangling moments as a late penalty for the home side ensured a nail-biting finale.
Such a finish seemed unlikely in the opening stages as Norwich presented the Baggies with the freedom of Carrow Road for much of the first half.
Albion responded with some trademark passing football and they were ahead with less than two minutes on the clock through Koren's 10th goal of the season.
But, not for the last time in the afternoon, there was controversy with Norwich convinced that Roman Bednar had fouled keeper David Marshall in the build up to the goal.
The goal stood and Albion continued to dominate the first half with Gera going close to doubling their lead after a weaving run that took him past three defenders.
The Albion midfield ran riot for long spells but they could not find the second first half goal that they deserved.
They began the second half poorly and had to weather a storm from the home side early on but they survived the onslaught.
And the victory appeared to be sewn up with 19 minutes left when a poor clearance by Jason Shackell fell to Gera and he volleyed home the second goal from 25 yards.
That strike brought joy to the 2,300 travelling fans but they were still celebrating when Norwich reduced the arrears.
The officials belatedly spotted a handball by Leon Barnett and Ched Evans converted the penalty to give the home side fresh hope.