Roberto Di Matteo had a smile on his face after Albion collected maximum points over Christmas following a well deserved 3-1 victory at Glanford Park over Scunthorpe United.
After an early scare for the Baggies, Di Matteo’s men took control of the game with Graham Dorrans smashing in a volley in the 19th minute. The Baggies pressed for a second until half-time but were pegged back only 50 seconds into the second-half. After Dean Kiely parried a deflected effort giant defender Rob Jones headed home from close range.
The goal reinvigorated Albion with Andrew Wright receiving his marching orders after the hour mark following two bookable offences. Minutes later the visitors took the lead again. Following Rob Jones’ trip on Graham Dorrans in the area the Scotsman dusted himself down to slot home the resulting spot-kick to give the Baggies a deserved lead.
Albion were awarded another penalty in the 75th minute when Luke Moore was bundled down in the area. Following the decision, Grant McCann also saw red for foul and abusive language towards referee, Moss. However Dorrans’ second penalty of the afternoon was saved by former Albion stopper Joe Murphy.
With the Irons down to nine men it was only a matter of time before Albion extended their lead with Gianni Zuiverloon scoring his second goal of the season in the 86th minute with an eye-catching strike.
"I thought the referee handled the game very well," said Di Matteo after Nigel Adkins remarks about the official.
"He didn't get influenced by the crowd.
"We stayed calm as well and never lost our heads.
"We just kept on playing our football.
"It was bobbly and slippery.
"It's a small ground as well with the fans right on top of you, so we had to be strong.
"It was difficult conditions and a difficult place to come and get three points.
"We managed to do so and I thought we played well in these circumstances.
"It was an entertaining game too."