West Bromwich Albion extended their unbeaten run to eight matches with a convincing 2-0 triumph over Preston North End at Deepdale, further distancing themselves from the relegation battle in the Championship. The win was secured by an early strike from Josh Maja in the 11th minute, followed by a second‑half finish from substitute Daryl Dike in the 77th minute, giving the Baggies a much‑needed boost as they head into the final third of the season.
Maja displayed composure beyond his years when he collected a pass inside the box and calmly slotted the ball past goalkeeper Daniel Iversen. The build‑up began when Aune Heggebo mis‑controlled a clever pass from Isaac Price, allowing Maja to find space and fire a low, powerful shot that left Iversen stranded. The goal not only put West Brom ahead but also highlighted the growing confidence of their attacking unit.
The second goal arrived after Dike entered the fray with just seven minutes on the clock. After Jayson Molumby delivered a precise cut‑back from the right, Dike timed his run perfectly, broke past the last defender and finished clinically from six yards out, sealing the match and giving the interim manager James Morrison a well‑deserved win. Morrison’s tenure began poorly with a loss to Oxford, but the Baggies have bounced back dramatically, winning every game since that setback.
This turnaround starkly contrasts with the tenure of former manager Eric Ramsay, who failed to secure a single victory in eight Championship fixtures. The current momentum has propelled West Brom five points clear of the danger zone with three games remaining, although the club still faces the spectre of a potential points deduction that could jeopardise their safety. Preston’s early chances were limited but noteworthy.
George Campbell rose to meet Callum Styles’ fourth‑minute corner, only to see his header blocked amid a crowded penalty area. Later, Alfie Devine attempted a shot after Andrew Hughes sent in an enticing cross, but his effort glanced wide. The North End side appeared lethargic, perhaps because they had little more than pride to play for, while West Brom seemed the more energetic of the two teams throughout the encounter.
The first half also featured a dramatic incident when Ben Whiteman suffered an injury while trying to tackle Isaac Price in the lead‑up to Maja’s goal. Whiteman’s attempt to make amends for an earlier turnover ended in a forced substitution, with Jordan Thompson coming on early to replace the injured defender. At halftime, Preston manager Paul Heckingbottom introduced Thierry Small for Andrew Moran in an effort to inject fresh impetus. Small’s arrival did spark a brief resurgence; Max O'Leary made an unconventional save by juggling Daniel Jebbison’s close‑range effort away from danger, and Brad Potts forced a header off the post in the 56th minute, prompting O'Leary to tip the ball over the bar.
Despite these moments, West Brom continued to dominate. Maja had a second‑half opportunity when he met a low delivery from Callum Styles, but his shot was straight at Iversen from the centre of the box. The decisive moment came when Dike, fresh from the bench, combined with Molumby’s cut‑back and struck the ball past Iversen, sealing a 2-0 victory that will be remembered by the supporters.
In the dying minutes, Preston pressed for a consolation goal. Hughes found space near the edge of the box, but his effort went over the bar. Lewis Dobbin later headed Small’s well‑timed cross wide, missing a chance that could have narrowed the margin.
West Brom held firm, preserving a priceless win that not only adds three points to their tally but also provides a psychological lift as the season draws to a close. Post‑match reactions reflected the contrasting emotions of both managers. Heckingbottom admitted disappointment, labeling his side’s performance as “one of the worst of the season” and lamenting the inability to compete in the first half. He praised West Brom’s quality but expressed frustration at his own team’s lack of execution and preparation, acknowledging that failing to implement a clear solution left his players exposed.
Morrison, on the other hand, praised his squad’s display, calling it a “top performance.” He highlighted the timing of the goals, the team’s disciplined defensive work, and the confidence he has in players like Josh Maja and Daryl Dike. Morrison noted that Dike’s hard work and determination have paid off, even if luck has sometimes been against him, and he expressed satisfaction with the group’s cohesion and resilience. The win also carries financial implications beyond the league table. A £250,000 prize is on offer through the Super 6 competition, which remains free to enter, adding an extra incentive for fans and participants alike.
Overall, West Brom’s victory at Deepdale serves as a pivotal moment in their campaign, reinforcing their push away from the relegation zone and showcasing the positive impact of James Morrison’s interim leadership. As the season enters its final stretch, the Baggies will aim to maintain this momentum, secure more points, and ensure their place in the Championship for next year, while Preston must regroup and address the deficiencies that led to a disappointing defeat.