Chris Brunt spoke of his pride at helping guide Albion to three Sky Bet Championship points against Preston North End on New Year’s Day.
The Baggies recorded a 3-1 triumph in what was Brunt’s third match as part of a group leading the first-team while the hunt for a new manager continues.
Josh Maja scored twice and Callum Styles notched his first for the club before the break, with Ryan Ledson scoring a consolation for the visitors 20 minutes from time.
Wednesday’s encounter was the fourth in 12 days for Albion and although they were unable to hit the same standard of performance in the second 45, Brunt insisted the first period was very impressive and was a major factor in achieving a positive result.
He said: “Using the word perfect wouldn’t probably be the right word for today.
“We were good in the first half and then in the second they put us under quite a lot of pressure, but it was great to get the three points.
“I think we probably deserved three points for that first-half performance, but there were a few hairy moments in that second 45. I’m glad we were able to get over the line and get the win.
“The lads are so well-drilled from the previous two years. They know their jobs and they know what they have to do.
“Scoring goals is about being positive in the attacking areas. That’s one thing we’ve tried to say over the last few days. We’ve told the lads to be positive when they get into the right area of the pitch and get shots and crosses off, take people on and just be positive and make things happen.
“In Mikey Johnston and Tom Fellows, we’ve probably got two of the best at doing that in the league. Jayson’s energy coming from midfield was brilliant. Josh Maja is just a clever football player and he gets himself in the right areas and took his two goals really well.
“The first half was a lot more comfortable. They changed their shape in the second half and put us under a lot more pressure and played a lot more direct.
“At this time of year there are tired legs everywhere and you could see it in their team too. They coped with that first 20 minutes in the second half better than we did and just as we were about to make some changes and do a bit with the shape, they scored a goal and that threw things up in the air a bit.
“To be fair to the lads, they responded well and we’re very proud of them.
“When the team that’s losing 3-0 gets the next goal, you know you’re in for a game. That was the case today, but to be fair to the lads they defended really well. All of the lads did really well today. Nothing will ever go your way for the full 90 minutes and the lads showed another side of themselves today and at Sheffield United – showing they can grind games out.
“I’m trying to do my best as part of a group leading the team, just as I did my best a player here. I’m trying to help as much as I can, but it’s a team effort. There are lots of staff working in the background to get players ready for games. It’s a tough period and everyone has pulled together.
“I’m very proud to get this result today. It’s great to win the game.”
