GAYLE LEADS Forward plunders hat-trick in victory
DWIGHT Gayle blasted a clinical hat-trick as luckless Rotherham suffered a nightmare before Christmas.
The home side competed throughout and created a string of chances, but saw their defence cut to shreds by the division’s most deadly strikeforce.
Darren Moore’s Baggies have now scored 50 goals in 23 matches, putting them level with Manchester City as the most prolific side in England.
And they even racked up a second clean sheet of the season when Ryan Manning hit a post with a late spot-kick for the Millers.
“To score 50 goals by this stage of the season, I’m very proud of that,” said Moore, whose side made it seven games unbeaten to keep up the pressure on the top two.
“It shows the energy going forward, the intelligence of the players. Putting the ball in the net is the hardest thing in football, so it’s very, very pleasing.”
Moore also hailed Newcastle United loanee Gayle, who was serenaded by chants of “Sign him up” by the travelling hordes after taking his tally for the season to 13.
“We’ve not spoken to Newcastle about that, but you can understand why they’re singing,” he added. “Dwight’s scored a hat-trick, but it was a great all-round display.
“He’s a potent striker, as his record shows. His energy, his enthusiasm for the game. He scores goals and does tremendous work for the team. It’s