GABRIEL Tamas believes Saturday's battling 1-0 win at Plymouth should stand as the defensive benchmark for the rest of Albion's promotion campaign.

The Romania international made his seventh successive start since joining the Baggies on loan last month, with a view to a permanent move.

And he produced a towering performance at the heart of defence on a tricky pitch to give Roberto Di Matteo's second-placed side the platform for a precious Home Park victory thanks to their first clean-sheet in seven league outings.

"It was another big win and three very big points," said Tamas.

"You could see from the game that the pitch was really bad and Plymouth are a very difficult team who play very well at home.

"But we passed this important test and we won.

"We are very happy because we are still in second place.

"As a defender I am happy because all defenders are happy when they don't concede a goal.

"We didn't concede a goal and we won 1-0 so that is very good for the defenders.

"I am happy because we are in second place and we hope to finish in second or first place.

"There are many games to play but if we play like we did on Saturday no-one can beat us."

Tamas was paired with Abdoulaye Meite in central defence for the first time as Jonas Olsson was rested.

But the former Galatasaray and Celta Vigo man says it does not matter who he lines-up alongside as long as everyone does their job, especially with the games coming thick and fast.

"It's good in England," he added.

"The schedule is a little bit heavy but it's good. I don't feel tired.

"I enjoy playing football and I think all players enjoy it.

"It doesn't matter who you play with.

"It doesn't matter if you score or don't score.

"The important thing is for everyone to do his job on the field.

"As a forward you want to score because that is your job, and as a defender you want to not concede a goal."

Albion will now be without Jerome Thomas for the next four games against Scunthorpe, Reading, Cardiff and Bristol City after received his second straight red card of the season in stoppage time against the Pilgrims.

But Tamas felt the decision by referee Steve Tanner to give him his marching orders was harsh after seeing the winger's challenge on David McNamee.

"I think he was unlucky because I saw from the field he didn't really touch him," said Tamas.

"Maybe he caught him a little bit but it wasn't a red card.

"But the referee is the boss on the field and if he says something you have to agree with him."