West Brom extended their unbeaten run to eight games with a 2-0 victory over Preston in the Championship, further distancing themselves from the relegation zone. The Baggies took the lead in the 11th minute through Josh Maja's composed finish, before Daryl Dike sealed the win with a decisive strike in the 77th minute. The result leaves West Brom five points clear of danger with three games remaining, despite the looming threat of a potential points deduction. The visitors dominated the early stages, with George Campbell's header blocked in a crowded penalty area, before Maja broke the deadlock.
Preston's woes were compounded by an injury to Ben Whiteman, which forced Jordan Thompson into the game as an early substitute. The hosts struggled to create clear chances, with Alfie Devine glancing a cross wide in the first half, while West Brom's Isaac Price tested Daniel Iversen with a wicked cross.
After the interval, Preston introduced Thierry Small in an attempt to spark a reaction, but it was West Brom who continued to dictate the pace. Maja could have added a second, but fired straight at Iversen, before Dike's introduction proved decisive.
The substitute slammed home from six yards, applying the finishing touch to Jayson Molumby's cut-back. Despite late chances for Preston, including a ballooned effort from Andrew Hughes and a headed miss from Lewis Dobbin, West Brom held on for a vital win. Preston boss Paul Heckingbottom lamented his side's 'really disappointing' performance, while West Brom's James Morrison hailed a 'top performance' from his team, praising the finishes from Maja and Dike.