Gregan gives Albion third win in a row

West Brom 1, Southampton 0 (full-time)

Sean Gregan sealed West Bromwich Albion’s third consecutive win with a fortunate strike 10 minutes from time.

Gregan’s long-range drive squirmed out of Saints’ keeper Paul Jones’ hands and dribbled over the line for the only goal of the game.

Marian Pahars had been guilty of missing two golden chances for Saints after being put clean through.

And James Beattie should have scored with a header on the stroke of half-time but saw his effort cleared off the line by Albion defender Phil Gilchrist.

Albion had loud penalty appeals turned down when Dichio fell under a challenge from Beattie in the box.

Substitute Fernandes shot wide for Saints before Gregan grabbed Albion’s opener in fortuitous fashion.

He unleashed a low right-foot drive from long-range in the 80th minute which squirmed out of Jones’ hands and dribbled into the corner of the net.

Saints’ luck was completely out as defender Williams was red carded moments later for a second bookable offence after tugging back Roberts in centre field.

Albion had to ride some pressure in the final stages but hung on for their improbable third consecutive Premiership win.