Source: Team_Talk
Di Matteo keeps Baggies grounded
Albion have a commanding eight-point advantage over third-placed Nottingham Forest with just eight games remaining after winning their fourth successive game - and recording a sixth consecutive win at The[LNB]Hawthorns.[LNB]But Di Matteo said: "Nothing has been achieved. Nothing has changed from last week.[LNB]"We have got another game coming up on Wednesday (against Coventry) and it is important that we do well again because the teams behind us keep picking up points as well.[LNB]"We are in a good position but as you know, you can lose it very quickly in football.[LNB]"It was important to get three points against Preston as we need to do well in our home games."[LNB]Albion made the perfect start when Ben Watson and Chris Brunt powered them into a 2-0 lead after just nine minutes.[LNB]Sean St Ledger handed Preston a lifeline six minutes later only for Graham Dorrans to restore Albion's two-goal advantage with a 30-yard free-kick.[LNB]Neil Mellor then fired Preston back into the game again two minutes before half-time but an equaliser proved to be beyond them.[LNB]While pleased with his side's goal threat, Di Matteo admits they need to tighten up at the back having conceded 42 goals so far this season.[LNB]He added: "I am disappointed with the two goals we conceded as they are mistakes we shouldn't be making.[LNB]"Defensively we need to do better, there is no question about that.[LNB]"But on the other hand we have had to change the back four quite often and that doesn't help. It is about finding a balance where you are solid but you don't lose too much going forward.[LNB]"I would like to keep more clean sheets and be more solid."[LNB]Di Matteo shrugged off the mixed reception strike Luke Moore got from some of the Albion fans when he replaced Ishmael Miller in the 72nd minute.[LNB]"It is a bit bizarre that you boo one of your own players," admitted Di Matteo.[LNB]"But I would emphasise it is a minority."[LNB]Albion's win ended Preston's five-match unbeaten run but North End boss Darren Ferguson was full of praise for his side's tenacious display - although he was disappointed with the goals they conceded.[LNB]Ferguson said: "We conceded two poor goals and gave ourselves a mountain to climb.[LNB]"They were sloppy goals but we dug in and kept going and West Brom will[LNB]know they have been in a game.[LNB]"We weren't far off them and they do look like a team who will be in the Premier League next season. We had some sustained pressure but the goals we are conceding are costing us points.[LNB]"But it was our first defeat in six and we have to get ready to go again on Tuesday (against Middlesbrough) in another big game."[LNB]The defeat has all but extinguished Preston's lingering play-off hopes and Ferguson added: "Anyone who goes on a run has got a chance. But I think too many draws will probably cost us."[LNB][LNB]
