Goal hero Hal knows value of winning ugly

Robson-Kanu

HAL ROBSON-KANU believes West Brom have passed another promotion character test.

They scrapped with a competitive Boro side, needed three good saves from Sam Johnstone to stay level and then grabbed a scruffy winner eight minutes from time.

It did not make for a particularly memorable way to go top on Saturday night.

But by May it is results like this – maintaining momentum and scrambling a fifth victory in seven games – that make for a successful season.

Robson-Kanu, 30, bundled home from three yards out to celebrate penning a new contract on Friday.

He said: “We’ve had good momentum in the league up until now and it was a test of the boys’ character that we came through that. It’s now about focusing and maintaining that momentum.

“We’ve got a very experienced manager who is looking to build something. I’m really looking forward to being a part of that.”

Slaven Bilic hopes his construction job will end up in the top flight, and he has a robust team that will certainly be in the mix.

Even when the Baggies are under pressure they have the excellent Johnstone as a last line of defence.

The former Manchester United academy star made point-blank saves to keep Boro at bay.

Johnstone said: “It’s a sign of a good team. We made a couple of changes and hung in there at times.

“I’ve managed to make a couple of saves, it’s what I’m there to do. It feels good.”

Boro boss Jonathan Woodgate can’t be feeling good after four league defeats in five games.

It is hard not to sympathise with the rookie manager.

The local hero was given his first top job at the Riverside but had to stomach 10 players leaving in the summer, with just four brought in.

And Woody inherited a first XI riddled with players who are out of contract in the summer.

He is effectively managing costcutting and decline.

Regulars Dani Ayala, George Friend, Jonny Howson, Ryan Shotton, Marvin Johnson and squad man Rudy Gestede are all free agents soon with little prospect of Boro offering extensions in the short term.

Owner Steve Gibson Woodgate will get time.

How long is debatable. Boro are now in Championship survival mode, and heading the way of local rivals Sunderland unless they find a formula to get results.

Midfielder George Saville said: “We are in October, no one is going to win the league in October and nobody is going to be relegated in October.”

BORO: WEST BROM: insists