Mowbray delighted to see a happy Hawthorns after 4-1 win

Albion ensured their disappointment at Stoke was truly forgotten with a dazzling display which saw them return to the summit of The Championship. Watford's last-gasp equaliser at home to Cardiff was not enough to stop the Baggies returning to top-spot courtesy of a superior goal-difference.

Albion faced a determined Bristol City side who had only conceded 12 goals away from home before their visit to a crowd of more than 27,000 fans at a packed Hawthorns. The first-half ended goalless after chances at each end of the field with Roman Bedner hitting the crossbar for the home side. However, the Baggies were not to be denied the lead after good work down the right from Zoltan Gera and Carl Hoefkens saw the Belgium international cross for Bedner to continue his scoring form with a neat left foot finish. The opener continued the impressive on-loan Hearts striker's form of seven goals in as many matches.

The goal opened the floodgates for the Baggies with a Christmas-cracker from Robert Koren and two goals from Kevin Phillips, making his first start since returning from injury, ensuring the points were sealed. A consolation goal five minutes from time from Darren Byfield failed to dampen the spirits with boss Tony Mowbray delighted with his table-topping side.

"A big, expectant crowd is sometimes difficult to please," Mowbray explained.

"But I'm delighted the players kept at it and were on the front foot for most of the game.

"When the supporters were behind us like they were today, we can give anyone a game.

"It was very, very pleasing to see the ground full, especially at such an expensive and busy time of year.

"I hope as we go on and keep picking up points it will be a more common sight.

"When these players have got that kind of support behind them, they'll take some stopping.

"I think a big crowd, when it is bouncing like today, drives a team on." Mowbray added.

Chris Brunt and Felipe Teixeria were two notable absentees from the Albion squad with the Northern Ireland international sidelined with a minor hamstring injury and 'Tex' falling ill overnight.

"Brunt came off at half-time against Stoke," Mowbray continued.

"The injury should only keep him out for a few days.

"I don't think it was worth risking him today.

"Teixeria reported to the doctor this morning.

"He's been told to stay away for a day or two.

"We'll see how he is on Friday."