Lewis Cox's West Brom analysis: At this stage only one thing matters

Three points are all the Baggies faithful are interested in come full-time. The method is not overly important. The bottom line as we approach the run-in is the result.

With 12 games left of the Championship season the final sprint is on the horizon. Now is the time the foot needs to be planted to the floor.

With full respect to Oxford, these are now the type of fixtures Albion can ill-afford to be anything but victorious in. There are enough difficult fixtures - on paper at least - between now and the final weekend in early May.

Leeds away next weekend is a big one. Burnley, Norwich, Bristol City, Sunderland all follow before long. These will be real acid tests.

While supporters are more or less only interested in the outcome, particularly at the business end, for boss Tony Mowbray and his staff there is a deeper verdict to assess.

Managers and head coaches will analyse how their side got there. Though Mowbray knows more than most after close to 900 games in management that performances alone are not enough to bring success.

Sometimes, the professional, routine, somewhat forgettable victories are as important as the statement or more dramatic efforts. Three points are three points no matter how they come about.

It was a good time to play Oxford, no doubt. The U's enjoyed a welcome bounce upon Gary Rowett's appointment but now languish in 18th without a win in six and without a goal in four.