NIGEL Clough hailed a "very valuable" three points after the tense 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest.
The Albion boss said: "I don't think we played very well at times but that was a very important three points for us based on the defensive side - especially in the second half."We nicked a goal in the fist half with the free kick and then we defended again as if our lives depended on it and that's what got us the victory.
"First half we weren't quite at it and maybe that is because of the effort that has gone into the last few games. We thought we might be a bit flat thinking we had done the work on the road and that it might be easier today. We tried to warn the players against that today but we weren't at it in the first half. In the second half we were better, had numerous chances on the break but didn't take one of them.
"We lost two strikers in the first 45 minutes which is unusual. The subs were important for us today and that's probably the strongest bench we have had all season.Â
"John Brayford was outstanding today - his heading and his saving tackle the one time they got through us. It was a brilliant challenge and he was the skipper today, had the armband and led from the front.
The only disappointment for Clough was the injuries for strikers Marvin Sordell and Luke Varney.
Clough said: "Marvin got a whack on his knee so we are hoping he will be fit for next week. Luke got a dead buttock and couldn't sprint. We hope that settles down for next week."