NIGEL Clough says that hard work saw his patched up team through in a 3-1 win over Derby County that ended a seven-month wait for a home win.
The Albion manager said: "We didn't play anywhere near as well as we have done at times. Even against Hull on Tuesday we played more fluently at times but got punished and lost 5-0. Today we battled away, created some half chances and put them away.
"I thought Liam Boyce's centre forward display typified the team. Our hard work saw us through in the end.
"Derby scored with the one cross we didn't deal with in the first half. After that it was important to get that goal before half-time. They came out in the second half and for 10 to15 minutes we couldn't get out of our penalty area. But we weathered that and scored another goal.
"We had a patched up back four with Ben Turner playing at left back but they all did their jobs today and didn't make any mistakes."
Derby got a lifeline with a second half penalty which appeared very harsh on Jake Buxton.
Clough said: "I didn't see one supporter or player appeal. Everybody was turning around looking bewildered. Stephen Bywater saved it and he has been as good as anyone this season - we think he has only cost us one goal. When you think of the amount he has conceded this season that's testament to him. It's lovely he popped up with that penalty save and we didn't endure too much of a nervous last few minutes."
The Brewers also finally put the home hoodoo to bed with a first Pirelli Stadium win since September.
Clough said: "I think we had forgotten that feeling of how good it is to come in on the back of a home win.
"We haven't played as well today as we have done in many of those home games we haven't won. It's just the fine margins that go against you.
"It was important to get that home win whatever league we are in next season and get that monkey off our back. Our aim is just to make the others play and get enough points so that the others have to do something before the end of the season."