West Brom Move Further Away from Relegation Zone with 2-0 Win at Preston

West Brom's unbeaten run has reached eight games after a comfortable 2-0 win over Preston in the Championship. Josh Maja's composed finish put the visitors ahead in the 11th minute, and Daryl Dike sealed the victory with a decisive strike in the 77th minute. The win, under interim boss James Morrison, leaves West Brom five points clear of the relegation zone with three games remaining. The Baggies started strongly, with George Campbell's early header blocked in a crowded penalty area. However, they took the lead when Maja slammed the ball past Daniel Iversen after Aune Heggebo miscontrolled Isaac Price's pass. Preston's woes were compounded when Ben Whiteman injured himself while attempting to tackle Price, and Jordan Thompson replaced him as an early substitute. The home side struggled to create clear chances, with Alfie Devine glancing Andrew Hughes' cross wide from a good position. After the interval, Preston introduced Thierry Small for Andrew Moran, but West Brom remained in control. Max O'Leary made an unorthodox save to deny Daniel Jebbison, and Brad Potts' header forced O'Leary to tip the ball over the bar. Maja could have doubled his tally but fired straight at Iversen, before Dike smashed past the goalkeeper from six yards to secure the win. Preston's Paul Heckingbottom expressed disappointment with his team's performance, stating it was one of the worst of the season. In contrast, West Brom's James Morrison praised his team's display, highlighting the importance of the goals and the overall performance.