West Brom and Leeds pull away in promotion race

Hal Robson-kanu says Slaven Bilic playing him in his natural position is the reason for his sensational form which is driving West Bromwich Albion’s charge back to the Premier League.

The Welsh forward, whose two goals in the 3-0 win against promotion-chasing Bristol City, helped extend Albion’s lead over third-placed Fulham to nine points, is enjoying his most prolific season in front of goal.

Playing in his favoured centreforward role under Bilic, Robsonkanu took his tally for the campaign to nine goals. “I’m playing games in a position where I feel I’m at my best,” he said.

“The manager has seen early on my best position is leading the line. I’ve not always played down the middle and had a run of games, but I’ve always said I’m confident in my ability and what I can bring to the team. But it’s not about me, it’s about the squad and the group and about maintaining this level of performance.”

Robson-kanu, 30, has been in impressive form this term and his performances have been key to the

Baggies’ hopes of sealing a return to the top flight. He has kept Charlie Austin – the club’s joint top scorer alongside him – and Kenneth Zohore out of Bilic’s starting XI.

He showed a poacher’s instinct to tap home his first at Ashton Gate before firing beyond Dan Bentley in the second half. Callum Robinson had opened the away scoring and not even a late red card for Romaine Sawyers could derail a comfortable West Brom win.

Second-placed Leeds moved five points clear of Fulham with a hard-fought 1-0 win against

Reading, after which manager Marcelo Bielsa praised under-fire goalkeeper Kiko Casilla.

“There was a situation in the last minute for them,” said Bielsa. “This player had a clear chance and it was a very important save by Kiko Casilla. For some time we were better than the opponent and the save had a big impact.”

Nottingham Forest in fifth could only draw 0-0 at home to

QPR, a Joe Worrall header being ruled out when it was judged the ball had been moving due to the wind when Joe Lolley delivered a corner. “Two more points today would have changed a lot,” Sabri Lamouchi, the Forest manager, said. “We missed an opportunity.”