Mowbray salutes promotion stars

In a rare show of emotion at The Hawthorns last night Tony Mowbray could not hold his delight after watching his troops secure a return to top-flight football. Although Albion are not mathematically assured a place amongst England's elite, the Baggies' superior goal difference over Hull effectively secures a Premiership spot next season.

Backed by a boisterous Hawthorns crowd willing the home side on from the first whistle to the last, Albion dominated for long periods without finding a way past Richard Wright in the Saints' goal. Kevin Phillips, Jonathan Greening and Ishmael Miller all went close for the Baggies but it was the relegation threatened visitors who opened the scoring in 78^th minute when Adam Lallana slotted home from an acute angle after an intelligent through ball caught Neil Clement cold.

However on an evening when Albion fans came to celebrate a season filled full of goals the Baggies did not disappoint with Chris Brunt sending The Hawthorns into raptures after volleying in Roman Bednar's cross six minutes from the end. Despite being encouraged to search for a winner Albion settled for the all important point with fans spilling on to the pitch to celebrate with their heroes at the final whistle.

"I thought the team functioned very well under the expectation, pressure and occasion," the Baggies boss said.

"We played against a football team who have some very good technical players.

"That included Youssef Safri, who was pretty close to joining us once-upon-a-time.

"He can pass the ball exceptionally well.

"Inigo Idiakez is a good footballer, Stern John has a great goalscoring record and Andrew Surman is a good passer, so we knew it was going to be a tough match.

"They came with a game plan and were very solid.

"We weren't direct enough in the first half to actually ask enough questions of their defence.

"We tried to change that and, in the second half, we came out with a real purpose and desire.

"How we didn't get our noses in front in a 20-minute spell was quite baffling.

"The longer it went without us scoring you felt 'could it be one of those nights?'

"Then they scored on the break.

"But the positive outcome was seeing what came off the bench.

"Chris Brunt came on when James Morrison got injured and sometimes that's the difference in this league.

"Quality replaced quality.

"Ultimately, that's what got us out of jail - a great strike that went through the keeper's legs."