Gary Megson ended West Brom's 16-year exile from the top-flight as they clocked up the victory they needed to hang on to second spot in the first division table and guarantee automatic promotion.

Defender Darren Moore and veteran striker Bob Taylor grabbed the goals that ended Albion's season on a magnificent ten-match unbeaten run.

Megson's men in their terrific run clocked eight victories and two draws and their solid defence conceded only eight goals in 19 games this year and keeper Russell Hoult has kept a club record 27 clean sheets in the club's climb back up into the top-flight.

Palace defender Danny Granville fired in a shot that took a wicked deflection and Hoult had to pull off a fine diving save to keep the ball out.

Then, just moments later, Simon Rodger got in a header that was booted off the line by Albion striker Daniele Dichio.

It was then the turn of Albion and they opened the score line in the 16th minute with a well-taken goal from Moore.

Neil Clement chipped a pin-point free-kick into the heart of the Palace defence where the ball was headed on by Moore.

It was nodded back by Andy Johnson to Moore who smashed the ball home from close range to claim only his second goal of the season.

Albion increased their advantage in the 54th minute when another free-kick from Clement caused problems.

Clement struck a 25-yarder that was fumbled by keeper Aleks Kolinko and 35-year-old Taylor pounced to guarantee Albion's passage into the Premiership.

Albion should have increased their lead with just two minutes left on the clock when Dichio sent substitute Scott Dobie breaking for goal with a perfect header.

Dobie was completely unmarked as he charged on the Palace goalmouth but Kolinko dived to make a splendid save.