ROBERTO Di Matteo praised his troops for 'digging deep' to clinch the 3-2 victory at Blackpool that saw them regain second place in the table from Nottingham Forest.

Roman Bednar's deadly first-half double overturned Keith Southern's opener and took his season's tally to seven in just 13 league starts.

The never-say-die Tangerines, who had only lost twice on home soil in the Coca-Cola Championship before tonight, looked like snatching a point thanks to substitute Stephen Dobbie's 80th-minute equaliser.

But top scorer Graham Dorrans showed a cool head to secure a deserved three points for Albion from the penalty spot seven minutes from time - his 12th goal of the campaign.

"It was a very exciting game and there was never a dull moment," said Di Matteo.

"I'm pleased with the way we got the win.

"It was very difficult tonight.

"The pitch wasn't in the best condition because of the weather.

"We tried to play as much as we could and pass the ball.

"Towards the latter stages of the game, the pitch got a bit worse and it became more difficult.

"We knew Blackpool are a good team.

"At home, they are very good. They make life very difficult for you and put you under a lot of pressure.

"They put us under pressure at the end and, with Ishmael injured and all three subs already used, we had to dig in to keep the lead.

"I'm proud of my players tonight. They showed a lot of character throughout the game."

On Albion's spot-kick, Di Matteo added: "From where I was standing, it looked like a clear penalty.

"Ishmael was past the defender and was brought down."

The Albion chief once again praised in-form Bednar, not just for his brace but also his work rate.

And Di Matteo is delighted his side are keeping the pressure on their nearest promotion rivals after moving one point clear of Forest and within three of leaders Newcastle, who have a game in hand.

"It's good we've got strikers scoring on a regular basis," he added.

"Apart from that, Roman works hard for the team and puts the opposition defence under pressure.

"We've spent most of our season in second place.

"It's good to keep the pressure on Forest and Newcastle by gaining points and creeping up the table."

PIC: SPOT ON...Dorrans converts his match-winning penalty