West Brom Boost Survival Hopes with 2-0 Victory Over Preston

West Brom extended their unbeaten run to eight matches with a crucial 2-0 win over Preston in the Championship, moving further away from the relegation zone. Josh Maja's composed finish in the 11th minute gave the visitors the lead, before Daryl Dike sealed the victory with a decisive strike in the 77th minute. The win leaves West Brom five points clear of danger with three games remaining, despite the looming threat of a points deduction. The Baggies dominated the early stages, with George Campbell's header blocked in a crowded penalty area, before Maja emphatically scored the opening goal. Preston's woes were compounded when Ben Whiteman injured himself attempting to tackle Isaac Price, leading to an early substitution. The hosts struggled to create clear chances, with Alfie Devine glancing a cross wide and Max O'Leary juggling Daniel Jebbison's effort to safety. After the interval, Preston introduced Thierry Small, but West Brom continued to control the game. Maja could have doubled his tally, but fired straight at Daniel Iversen, before Dike smashed home the second goal. Preston's late efforts, including Hughes' ballooned shot and Lewis Dobbin's headed miss, were not enough to threaten West Brom's victory. The win marks a significant boost to West Brom's survival hopes, with interim boss James Morrison praising his team's performance and the finishes from Maja and Dike.