ROMAN Bednar believes last night's hard-fought victory at seventh-placed Blackpool will send out a strong message to Albion's promotion rivals - and insisted: "We're back in business."

The Baggies beat the fatigue of their fifth game in just 16 days to become only the third side to win at Bloomfield Road in the league this term.

And the three points were enough to see them reclaim the second automatic-promotion place they surrendered to Nottingham Forest last month and move within three points of leaders Newcastle, who have a game in hand.

"It was a massive win," said Bednar.

"In the last ten minutes, we stuggled on with two injured players and the last couple of weeks have been very difficult, so everybody was a little bit tired.

"In the end, we were very pleased with the three points.

"We had a couple of games that didn't go our way, like Forest at home, but after that we feel like we should have taken more points at Newcastle and Ipswich.

"I think last night was more than three points for us.

"We came back and showed how strong we can be.

"It's fantastic that we were able to win back-to-back again.

"It was hard to get back into the top two but there is a long way to go so we just have to keep going and try to win every game.

"We have been in second place a lot this season and maybe we thought it was easy, so now I think it means nothing.

"The three points were great and hopefully we have sent a message to Forest and Newcastle that we are back in business."

The Czech striker's Blackpool brace made it five goals in as many league games and since he returned to the starting line-up, the Baggies are unbeaten, collecting eight from 12 points and easing into the FA Cup fifth round in the process.

"My confidence is high and I think that goes for the whole team," he added.

"The second goal was a great pass from Gonzo, so credit to him.

"We were a little bit disappointed that we let them come back but we showed great desire to push on and win."

Bednar was quick to wish his 65th-minute replacement in the seaside encounter, Ishmael Miller, a speedy recovery after he injured his ankle in only his fifth substitute appearance since returning from a 13-month knee injury lay-off.

"We're all disappointed for Ish because he got injured again," added the former Hearts man.

"But he won a penalty and set up a great three points.

"It's a blow to see him with a crutch again.

"His ankle got twisted in the penalty incident but hopefully he will get better soon because we need him in the team."

PIC: GOAL GLEE...Jerome Thomas and Bednar celebrate the latter's second goal