West Bromwich Albion extended their unbeaten run to eight games with a crucial 2-0 win over Preston North End 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 clinical strike in the 77th minute. The win leaves West Brom five points clear of danger with three matches remaining, despite the looming threat of a potential points deduction.
The Baggies dominated the early stages, with George Campbell's header blocked in a crowded penalty area, before Maja emphatically scored after Aune Heggebo's miscontrol presented him with the opportunity. Preston's woes deepened as Ben Whiteman suffered an injury in the build-up to the goal, forcing Jordan Thompson to come on as an early substitute. The hosts struggled to create clear chances, with Alfie Devine's glanced header wide from a good position their best opportunity of the first half.
Paul Heckingbottom's introduction of Thierry Small at half-time failed to inspire a significant reaction from his players, as West Brom continued to control the game. Max O'Leary's unorthodox save denied Daniel Jebbison's improvised effort, before Brad Potts' goalbound header forced O'Leary to tip the ball over the bar. Maja could have doubled his tally, but fired straight at Daniel Iversen from the centre of the box.
However, Dike's introduction proved decisive, as he smashed past Iversen from six yards to secure the win. Preston's late pressure yielded few clear chances, with Hughes ballooning over from close range and Lewis Dobbin heading wide Thierry Small's excellent cross. The victory marked a significant boost to West Brom's survival hopes, as they moved further clear of the relegation zone.