On April 12, 1982, Sunderland secured a crucial 3-0 victory against Birmingham City in the Football League Division One, largely thanks to the young forward Colin West. West, who had previously assured manager Alan Durban of his capability to score, netted two goals in the first half, propelling Sunderland away from the bottom of the league standings. The match, held at Roker Park in Sunderland, drew an attendance of 14,821. West's first goal came from a header after a free kick, and he followed it up with another header from a corner just before halftime. This performance not only marked West's emergence as a key player but also initiated Sunderland's longest unbeaten run of the season. His contributions in subsequent matches further solidified his role as a focal point in the team's attack, showcasing his potential to help the club avoid relegation.