DAVID Lopez saved himself from the familar feeling of being substituted – by becoming Albion’s matchwinner at The Amex.

The Spaniard, pictured, was on the brink of being replaced by Solly March on the right-wing when he breached Birmingham’s defences with a sweet strike.

Youngster March was stripped and ready to come on as David pounced with an angled volley with the outside of his right foot.

Lopez revealed: “I knew. I looked and saw Solly was coming on, maybe for me. I had one chance, scored and then stayed on. The goal saved me.”

Lopez was eventually replaced by defender Adam El-Abd in the dying moments, not March, as Albion saw out a fifth win out of eight in all competitions. He said: “It was a good day for me, not only for the goal but for the team. We needed the three points. It was very important for us.

“It was the same as my goal at Birmingham last season and very important for me. Every game I am feeling better.”