Chris Brunt's late goal put West Brom on the brink of promotion to the Premier League for the third time in seven seasons.

Adam Lallana had stunned the home fans by putting Southampton ahead at The Hawthorns with just 13 minutes of this Championship match to go - and temporarily taking the relegation-threatened Saints out of the bottom three,

But fellow substitute Brunt drilled a low shot under the body of goalkeeper Richard Wright six minutes later to spark off scenes of wild celebration amongst the Baggies fans.

It meant Tony Mowbray's side moved ahead of previous leaders Stoke on goal difference with just one game remaining.

The Baggies would have to lose at QPR while Hull, the only side who can deny them promotion, would have to win at Ipswich and manufacture a 12-goal swing.

Therefore it is understandable to see why Albion's fans believe they are already promoted after invading the pitch at the final whistle.

Mowbray's side have gained their reward for sticking to their manager's principles of playing open and free-flowing football in a season which has produced more than 100 goals in all competitions.

Ironically, this was one of their least convincing performances - but no-one can deny them their reward from a campaign rich in entertainment.

Southampton remain 22nd because of an inferior goal difference to Leicester and will have to hope their result against Sheffield United is better than the Foxes' one at Stoke if they are to survive.

Richard Wright blocked a fierce drive from Kevin Phillips but Albion's 24-goal leading scorer had strayed marginally offside in collecting a pass from Ishmael Miller.

Phillips, who has still to resolve his future with the Baggies, created a yard of space for himself with a neat turn just outside the Southampton box but former Albion defender Chris Perry made a timely interception.

A neat pass from Zoltan Gera almost picked out a powerful run from Phillips but his first touch let him down and the ball ran harmlessly out for a goal-kick.

Albion skipper Jonathan Greening went close with a stinging long-range attempt which was just too high after Youssef Safri had only half-cleared.

Phillips was guilty of an embarrassing miss when he spooned the ball over from two yards out - but much to his relief the flag was raised for offside.

Southampton looked to have strong claims for a penalty when Neil Clement appeared to handle a cross from Jason Euell before Marek Saganowski fired over from close range.

West Brom right-back Carl Hoefkens became the first player to be yellow carded for a challenge on John and then Euell was cautioned for a foul on his former Charlton team-mate Dean Kiely.

Perry suffered the same punishment four minutes into the second period when hauling down Miller in full flight.

Another darting run by Miller ended with Richard Wright deflecting his low shot for a corner.

Albion looked more purposeful and playing with a higher tempo as James Morrison dragged a shot wide after some delightful one-touch football.

Then Perry was relieved when a shot from Miller deflected off him just past the post with Richard Wright wrong-footed.

Richard Wright blocked a Phillips header at point blank range before Lallana broke the deadlock from a narrow angle after racing onto a pass from Jermaine Wright.

Clement came close to equalising when his downward header from Brunt's corner bounced over the bar.

But eventually Albion's perseverance paid off as Brunt drilled a low shot under the body of Richard Wright to put them within touching distance of the top flight.

Teams:

West Brom Kiely, Hoefkens, Barnett, Clement, Robinson, Gera, Greening (Moore 81), Koren, Morrison (Brunt 64), Miller (Bednar 69), Phillips.

Subs Not Used: Danek, Albrechtsen.

Booked: Hoefkens, Clement.

Goals: Brunt 84.

Southampton Richard Wright, Jermaine Wright, Perry, Lucketti, Surman, Viafara, Idiakez, Safri (Dyer 62), Euell, Saganowski (Lallana 74), John (Wright-Phillips 74).

Subs Not Used: Davis, Licka.

Booked: Euell, Perry, Idiakez.

Goals: Lallana 77.

Att: 26,167

Ref: Lee Mason (Lancashire).