West Brom extended their unbeaten run to eight games with a crucial 2-0 victory over Preston in the Championship, further distancing themselves from the relegation zone. Josh Maja's composed finish in the 11th minute gave the visitors an early lead, before Daryl Dike sealed the win with a decisive strike in the 77th minute.
The Baggies' interim boss James Morrison has overseen a significant turnaround since taking charge, with the team now five points clear of danger with three games remaining. Despite the threat of a potential points deduction looming, West Brom's latest success has boosted their chances of avoiding relegation. The match saw Preston's woes compounded by an early injury to Ben Whiteman, and the hosts struggled to find their rhythm, with their first notable chance coming in the 30th minute when Alfie Devine glanced a cross wide. Paul Heckingbottom's introduction of Thierry Small at half-time failed to spark a reaction, and West Brom's dominance was rewarded when Dike smashed home the second goal.
Preston's late attempts to reduce the deficit were in vain, with Hughes and Lewis Dobbin missing opportunities in the dying minutes. The win has left West Brom in a strong position, while Preston's disappointing display has raised concerns about their performance.
In the post-match interviews, Preston's manager Paul Heckingbottom expressed his disappointment, stating that his team's performance was one of the worst of the season, while West Brom's James Morrison praised his team's top performance and the goals that came at the right times.