Mistakes still being made

Some wonderful football was evident at the Hawthorns on Saturday, in the 3-2 win over Preston, but mistakes at the back means that Roberto Di Matteo is still not taking automatic promotion for granted.

With a commanding eight point advantage over third-placed Nottingham Forest and time running out for them to close that gap, Di Matteo was keeping his feet very firmly on the ground: 'Nothing has been achieved. Nothing has changed from last week.'

With the team showing a reluctance to pressure the ball higher up the field Albion found themselves in the now familiar position of giving away soft goals.

Di Matteo added: 'I am disappointed with the two goals we conceded as they are mistakes we shouldn't be making.'

In the Vital West Brom poll our fans think that Olsson and Carson are the main reasons for our defensive frailties, and Carson once again seemed to lack the domineering presence needed in the box.

Miller missed a couple of early chances but this was compensated for by a debut goal from the impressive Ben Watson and a clear goal of the season from the impeccable Graham Dorrans.

Although Newcastle dropped a couple of points, nearest chasers Nottingham Forest picked up a win against Peterborough.

Di Matteo summed up by saying: 'We have got another game coming up on Wednesday (against Coventry) and it is important that we do well again because the teams behind us keep picking up points as well. We are in a good position but as you know, you can lose it very quickly in football.'

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