Albion 3 Wigan 1 - verdict

Star turn Marc-Antoine Fortune struck two of their goals, as Tony Mowbray's men extended their fight against the drop for at least another week.

Chris Brunt scored the other Albion goal, as the Baggies moved within three points of fourth-from-bottom Hull, who were beaten at Stoke.

But Tony Mowbray's men will still need at least a point against title-chasing Liverpool at home next Sunday, if they are to take their survival battle into the final weekend of the season.

Albion kept up their end of the bargain as they triumphed in an exciting encounter, thanks to second half goals from Brunt and Fortune.

The victory was well deserved but also hard earned, as the home side regrouped after seeing an early lead cancelled out.

The Baggies went ahead in the eighth minute when the first of countless flowing moves allowed Fortune to score from close range.

Gianni Zuiverloon collected Brunt's pass and saw his shot parried by Chris Kirkland, only for Fortune to nod in the rebound.

That goal got a sold-out Hawthorns buzzing but the bubble of optimism was punctured on 17 minutes when Wigan struck.

It was Colombian Hugo Radallega who saw his powerful free-kick deflect off Jonathan Greening and fly past Dean Kiely, who was deputising in goal for the injured Scott Carson.

The equaliser appeared to demoralise the home side after an excellent start, but they came out fighting in the second half and had several near misses before regaining their lead.

Accident-prone Latics defender Titus Bramble committed a needless trip on Fortune to gift the Baggies a penalty.

Although Brunt saw his spot-kick saved by substitute keeper Richard Kingson, he followed up to blast home his eighth goal of the season.

There were still some nerves for Albion to deal with, but they were settled with 16 minutes left when Fortune extended their lead.