MALKY: WE DESERVED THE VICTORY

Manager heaps praise on troops as City leapfrog Baggies

header.Peter WhittinghamThe Bluebirds recorded yet another clean sheet – their sixth of the season – en route to a dramatic win courtesy of a second half

“I thought we started really well, putting West Brom on the back foot right away,” said the Gaffer following the game.

“For most of the first period we played in their half - it gave us momentum. At half time we had to be patient, knowing a goal would come and we could grind them down. We were doing the right things, and eventually it paid off.

“It's another clean sheet, another win and it's against a team that's around us in the division. It was great for the fans too, they were immense again today.

“We were facing a team today that have been in the Premier League for four or five years now. Their Manager [Steve Clarke] did really well last year and he has players there that on their day can do something special, as was shown last week against Aston Villa. It's a good win for us playing against a proven Premier League team, we were competitive and deserved to win in my opinion.”

Malky was sure to praise his match-winner following his second goal of the season, and lavished praise on two more of his Premier League stars that had been cited as influential by the watching press and media.

“Last time he [Peter Whittingham] scored a headed goal it was against me when I was at Watford," Malky mused. “He scored a goal from that position earlier in the season too, a fantastic goal against Hull.

“He's getting into dangerous positions and I'm delighted for him because he's been one of my most consistent performers this year. He had a period out of the side last year near the end of the season but really came back in the summer with a renewed belief in his ability. He has worked really hard on his body, his ability to survive in the Premier League midfield. He has shown that this season.

“David Marshall has been immense for me too. He didn't have much to do today but it was a top save [from Shane Long]. David was the best goalkeeper in the Championship last year. He's now a proven Premier League goalkeeper. He's maturing as he gets older and he's worked extremely hard with our goalkeeping coach Jim Hollman. David gives a calming influence to the back four, who were superb today in keeping another clean sheet.

“Craig Noone then is someone that I love having at the club - he has great enthusiasm for football. He has had to bide his time this season and is somebody I believe he has great potential. He knows that he has a lot to add to his game still, but in that final third he can be unplayable. He really caused Albion problems on that right hand side.”