Albion kicked-off 2025 with a hard-fought 3-1 win against Preston North End at The Hawthorns.
Josh Maja’s brace and a Callum Styles strike secured all three Sky Bet Championship points on New Year’s Day, despite Ryan Ledson’s second-half consolation.
The result extends the Baggies’ unbeaten home run to three months and places them - even if only temporarily - fifth in the table.
The starting XI remained unchanged following Albion’s draw away to Sheffield United, and they began strongly. Jayson Molumby saw a long-ranger held and Maja volleyed wide during the early stages, before the latter then fired the hosts ahead inside 18 minutes.
Mikey Johnston’s brilliant, weaving run gave him the chance to assist the Baggies’ No.9, who made no mistake from 10-yards out.
Preston briefly threatened an equaliser via Kaine Kesler-Hayden and Sam Greenwood attempts, but Palmer saved them both.
And Albion regained control quickly, going down the other end to double their advantage when a corner routine was met by the onrushing Styles. The left-back kept his composure and converted excellently for his maiden Baggies goal.
Maja soon ensured the hosts completed the first period in style, confidently tucking home Darnell Furlong’s pass after the he had made a super surging dart forward.
After half-time, neither team managed to initially create many clear-cut chances. However, Preston did pull one back on the 70-minute mark through Ledson’s deflected finish.
The Baggies were consequently put under pressure in the final stages as the visitors attempted an unlikely comeback. Ultimately, though, it remained 3-1 and the spoils stayed with the hosts.
Albion: Palmer; Furlong, Bartley, Heggem, Styles (Frabotta 81); Fellows (Wallace 46), Molumby, Diakite, Johnston (Diangana 61); Grant (Racic 74), Maja (Cole 74).
Substitutes: Wildsmith, Swift, Whitwell, Bostock.
Attendance: 24,320 (905).