West Brom came from behind to win a Midlands thriller 3-2 at home to Birmingham and continue their extraordinary run under caretaker James Shan. This win certainly had a degree of luck but Shan has now won all three of his matches in charge to keep Albion within touching distance of automatic promotion. Birmingham meanwhile are suddenly in relegation contention after losing five in a row and also being deducted nine points.

West Brom had Jake Livemore back in their midfield. For Birmingham, Maxime Colin returned after injury while David Davis also started.

Birmingham were excellent in the first half and took the lead as Gary Gardner headed in from a third consecutive Connor Mahoney corner. Birmingham though could not capitalise on their dominance and wasted a host of chances.

West Brom levelled up early in the second half as Gayle scored his 17th of the season with a header from Chris Brunt's free kick. Birmingham though regained the lead through Lukas Jutkiewicz who headed in from another Mahoney corner. It ended a goal drought for Jutkiewicz extending way back to November.

The hosts were level in majorly controversial circumstances as Conor Townsend appeared to be fouled outside the area by Mahoney but a penalty given. Rodriguez scored his 19th of the campaign with the kick.

The one real goal of quality turned out to be the winner with Livermore delightfully half volleying home.

There is no doubting that Albion were lucky with failure of Birmingham to take chances and the second home goal being questionable. West Brom do not appear to be playing particularly well of late but Shan has assembled some winning mentality. Birmingham are so lacking in confidence and it showed in this one. Jutkiewicz's goal may be crucial for the rest of the season though.