 Albion and Wolves have contested the Black Country derby , it is one of the longest standing derbys in world football , being played more than 150 times ; their first major clash was an FA Cup tie in 1886 . The rivalry came to prominence when the two clubs contested the league title in 1953 – 54 , and during the 1990s it intensified to new heights among supporters , with both clubs languishing in Division One for much of the decade and only local pride at stake . Moreover , in 2002 Albion came from being 11 points adrift to overhaul Wolves to gain promotion . The rivalry was further heightened after the sides met in the play @-@ offs in 2007 . A 2004 survey by Planetfootball.com confirmed that the majority of both Albion and Wolves supporters consider the other to be their main rival . A less @-@ heated rivalry also exists with Birmingham City , with whom Albion contested the 1931 FA Cup final , as well as a semi @-@ final in 1968 . Despite their geographical location Walsall are seen as lesser rivals , having played in a lower division than Albion for most of their history . A number of hooligan firms associate themselves with Albion , including Section 5 , Clubhouse and the Smethwick Mob . 
