Two moments of individual brilliance from Mikey Johnston and Isaac Price secured West Bromwich Albion a vital 2-1 Championship victory over Preston North End in a breathless contest at The Hawthorns. Johnston's spectacular 25-yard strike late in the first half and Price's curling finish midway through the second lifted Ryan Mason's side back up to fourth, above Preston by a point, before substitute Michael Smith's reply set up a frenetic finale.
Preston arrived on the back of a five-match unbeaten run that had taken them into the top four, and they pushed West Brom all the way in a match that produced 33 attempts on goal and 11 minutes of added time. Josh Griffiths and Preston goalkeeper Daniel Iversen were repeatedly called into action as Johnston went close several times before breaking the deadlock, and Smith's late strike was followed by further chances at both ends as Albion clung on for only a second victory since August and just a second league success in five home outings.
Spectacular opener crowns a frantic first half
West Brom signalled their attacking intent inside the opening half-minute when Johnston cut in from the left and drove a low effort just wide of the far post. It set the tone for an open first period in which both sides committed numbers forward and the two goalkeepers were kept busy.