The Baggies have kicked 2025 off in style after a 3-1 victory over Preston North End at The Hawthorns that puts them back into the play-off places in the EFL Championship.
The team remained unchanged following the draw away to Sheffield United on Sunday, and began strongly. Molumby saw a long-ranger held and Josh Maja volleyed wide during the early stages before he then fired the Baggies ahead in the 18th minute.
Mikey Johnstons run gave him the chance to assist Josh Maja, who made no mistakes from 10-yards out.
Preston threatened an equaliser through Kaine Keslet-Hayden and Sam Greenwood attempts but Alex Palmer saved both of their efforts.
The Baggies regained their control, going down the other end to double the lead when a corner was met for Callum Styles to score an outstanding goal to put the scoreline at 2-0.
Five minutes later Josh Maja ensured the Baggies completed the first period in style, confidently tucking home Darnell Furlong’s pass.
In the second half neither side managed to create many chances. However Preston did pull one back on the 70th minute through Ledson’s deflected finish.
The Baggies was under pressure in the final stages of the game as Preston tried for a comeback that seemed unlikely. It remained 3-1 and puts us into the play-offs places.
West Brom: Palmer; Furlong, Bartley, Heggem, Styles (Frabotta 81); Fellows (Wallace 46), Molumby, Diakite, Johnston (Diangana 61); Grant (Racic 74), Maja (Cole 74)
Preston: Woodman, Storey, Whatmough, Lindsay, Bowler (Holmes 45′), McCann (Ledson 62′), Thórdarson (Whiteman 45′), Kesler-Hayden, Frøkjær (Keane 83′), Riis, Greenwood (Osmajic 62′)
A great start for 2025 for us and a win that puts us back in play off contention, however Blackburn and Watford do have games in hand over us but for now we sit in 6th position in the league and have another game to prepare for again in another 3 days against Swansea on Saturday lunchtime at 12:30PM.