Striker Jason Roberts strengthened West Brom's Nationwide Division One promotion push with the vital goal that earned Gary Megson's high-fliers their first ever league success over neighbours Walsall.

Roberts, who wore a T-shirt bearing a picture of Albion legend Jeff Astle who died last night, settled the issue four minutes before the break at the Hawthorns.

Daniele Dichio nodded the ball down to Roberts who held off a challenge from defender Ian Roper before lashing a superb shot past goalkeeper James Walker.

The goal earned Albion only their second league win in seven outings and left Walsall in the relegation zone.

It was always Albion who held the edge and Roberts was denied in the 14th minute when Walker made a fine save to smother the striker's angled drive.

Albion defender Phil Gilchrist came close to getting his name on the scoresheet when he fired in a cracking shot that was finger-tipped over the woodwork by the hard-working Walker.

After the break Gary Megson's men continued to hold the edge and in the 57th minute Dichio headed inches over the target from a pinpoint free-kick by Neil Clement.

Moments later the determined Roberts held off Carlos Andre before blasting in a shot that flew just wide of the far post.

Walsall, with just six points from a possible 45 on their travels, did little to trouble Russell Hoult in the Albion goal.

The keeper did not have a single shot to save in 90 minutes and the closest Walsall came to posing problems for the Albion defence was in the 68th minute when Zigor Aranalde fired his shot high over the crossbar.

Albion were deserved winners, with Roberts claiming the first home goal for the club against the Saddlers.

Teams

West Brom: Hoult, Sigurdsson, Gilchrist, Moore, Balis, Jordao (Adam Chambers 88), McInnes, Johnson, Clement, Dichio (Dobie 71), Roberts (Taylor 90).

Subs Not Used: Jensen, Fox.

Booked: Jordao, Dichio, Roberts.

Goals: Roberts 41.

Walsall: Walker, Carbon, Holdsworth, Roper, Gadsby, Biancalani, Bennett, Andre (Leitao 69), Aranalde, Wrack, Angell (Herivelto 75).

Subs Not Used: Harper, Brightwell, Keates.

Booked: Andre, Roper.

Att: 20,290

Ref: M Brandwood (Lichfield).