fourth in the last three matches -- as Manchester City reclaimed the lead in the English First Division on Sunday.

City's 2-0 win away to West Bromwich enabled them to reclaim top spot in the division after Huddersfield could only manage a 1-1 draw at Crewe.

Goater, a continuous threat to the Albion defence, had a hand in both City goals, making an inch-perfect pass for defender Danny Glanville to score with an angled drive into the far corner in the 50th minute.

The hard-working Goater netted the second himself in the 72nd minute after substitute Danny Tiatto fed a perfect pass to him. Goater caught the Albion defence flat-footed as he lashed a low well-placed shot past Alan Miller in the Albion goal.

With recent signing Robert Taylor out with the flu, Goater was joined in the attack by another City signing, Lee Peacock. Goater admitted that looking over his shoulder at the other strikers has been a strong motivation.

"Sometimes when you do try hard it doesn't work for you, but the arrival of Lee and Robert has motivated me,'' said Goater on the City website.

"I just get on with it as I have done in the past. I am pleased with the way things are going and I am pleased the crowd has been patient and stuck with me.'' While Goater has been drawing praise for his scoring, he believes the defence also deserves credit. City will look to retain their place at the top today when they meet struggling Grimsby in another home match.

Second and third-placed Huddersfield and Charlton meet today so City have the opportunity to extend their one-point lead. City meet Crewe away next Monday.

"These games over the Christmas period are crucial for us,'' said Goater.

"It is important to have a good run over this period to set us up for the second half of the season.'' Sawn Goater: 14th goal.