Tony Mowbray: Black Country derby clash is massive

Apr 15 2008 By Chris Lepkowski

TONY Mowbray believes tonight's rearranged derby clash will be just as big as any of last season's epic encounters.

The game was postponed from its original date in March due to Albion's involvement in the FA Cup quarter-finals making tonight's game the first Black Country derby to be played under the Molineux floodlights since March 1990.

The Baggies had the better of the five meetings between the two clubs last season, winning four of their five clashes - including an FA Cup fourth round game and both play-off semi-finals.

But Wolves won the corresponding League fixture last season and Mowbray feels tonight's game cannot be underestimated given that Albion could return to top spot with a draw, while the home side are still chasing a play-off spot.

"I think it’s key for both sides," said Mowbray.

"We both have different goals at the moment so it’s an important game, just as last season’s were.

"We won't belittle any of the games - they are there to be won and it’s the next one in the series.

"Since I’ve been here we’ve played them in the cup, in a play-off semi-final and in league games.

"That’s been the case but tomrorow’s is another game in the context of getting three points and trying to get nearer to where we want to go but I think Wolves will look at it in the same way, it’ll be three points nearer to where they want to be."