ROBERTO Di Matteo hailed Albion's 'terrific' Hawthorns display as they secured their first league win of 2010 in convincing fashion by beating promotion-rivals Sheffield United 3-1.

The Baggies' top gun Graham Dorrans fired his 11th of the season from the penalty spot to open the scoring in the 18th minute.

Roman Bednar netted his third goal in four Coca-Cola Championship games to double the lead 13 minutes later - and could easily have had a first-half hat-trick had he been more clinical in front of goal.

Blades striker Darius Henderson pulled one back from the spot two minutes after the break but, just two minutes later, Jerome Thomas' eighth of the term restored the hosts' two-goal advantage.

The victory moved Albion within two points of second-placed Nottingham Forest, who have played a game more. Forest lost 1-0 at East Midlands rivals Derby earlier in the day.

Di Matteo, whose team have also closed the gap on leaders Newcastle to six points after the Toon were held by ten-man Leicester, beamed: "I'm very pleased with our performance.

"That is the most important aspect because we needed to win.

"It is always difficult against Sheffield United but, in the first half, we were 'terrific' - as Harry Redknapp says!

"I have to say, both penalties looked a bit soft.

"But I didn't have a good view of either so I can't exactly say why they were given.

"Roman could have had a hat-trick in the first half.

"But the important thing is we're creating chances.

"Roman scored a good goal and we won so I don't want to be too critical about that.

"We've been creating chances in the last four games and we've scored plenty of goals.

"Creating chances is the sign of a healthy team because, sooner or later, you're going to score and win a game.

"It was a matter of time for us because, after the Forest defeat, we've done well."

The Baggies play their game in hand on Forest at Blackpool on Wednesday (ko 7.45pm) and a win at Bloomfield Road would lift them into second spot.

But Di Matteo is not expecting an easy match against a seventh-placed Tangerines outfit who have only lost twice on home soil this term.

"We're still behind and we still have to play that game in hand," the Albion chief added.

"It won't be an easy one, Blackpool away.

"They are doing well this season, especially at home.

"They play some good football.

"But we're in a position where we can kick on.

"We've got to try to stay up at the right end of the table for as long as possible and be involved at the end of the season.

"But we've been playing many games.

"Today was our fourth in 12 days so the players couldn't keep up the tempo they started with.

"They are human - and that's natural."

PIC: BUOYANT BAGGIES...Bednar celebrates after firing Albion 2-0 up against the Blades