Match Reports

Dawson: Morale-boosting win is a springboard

CRAIG Dawson hailed Albion's "confidence-booster" against Brighton & Hove Albion but insists it is just a building block.

Dawson helped seal a crucial 2-0 victory over the Seagulls, heading home a 55th-minute second after fellow defender Jonny Evans had nodded in an early opener.

The long-awaited Premier League triumph comes on the back of last weekend's FA Cup success over Exeter City, sealing back-to-back victories.

Dawson is fully aware of the significance of the win but knows the Baggies must follow it up, starting with next weekend's trip to Goodison Park to face Everton.

"It was obviously an important win and I think performance-wise everybody worked their socks off," he said.

"It's a great confidence-booster for the lads.

"It's just a building block and we'll be straight back on the training ground on Monday working hard for the next game."

He continued: "It was great to get two set-plays and Salomon (Rondon), despite not managing to get a goal, was unbelievable.

"Everyone put a shift in and it was great to keep a clean sheet as well.

"A goal has been a long time coming for me and it's nice to help out with goals.

"But, as I said, from front to back we worked as a team and it was great to keep a clean sheet."

Victory was secured in front of a rapturous Hawthorns faithful who were superb throughout.

The home supporters among the 25,240 present, amplified by clapper boards on every seat, produced a cauldron of noise to inspire and roar Albion on to all three points.

And Dawson hailed their backing.

"The fans played a massive part and the atmosphere was brilliant," he said.

"We've got to keep doing that every week, to be fair the supporters have, and we need them now more than ever.

"It was a great atmosphere and they were the added man.

"Hopefully it will be the same again for the next home game."

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