Albion win it in STYLE as Maja brace restores hope!

JOSH Maja's first-half double helped Albion move back into the Championship play-off places with a comfortable 3-1 win over Preston at The Hawthorns.

- SUNNY BADWAL

The Baggies were still searching for their first win since head coach Carlos Corberan left for Valencia, but a stunning display in the opening period gave Chris Brunt his maiden victory as interim boss.

Preston have only managed one win away from home all season and their ambitions of grabbing a second were already in tatters at the break as Maja's brace either side of Callum Styles' strike had the hosts in a dominant position.

Second-half substitute Ryan Ledson struck to give Preston hope but it proved a mere consolation.

The home side forced the first save of the day from Freddie Woodman as a corner came out to Jayson Molumby, who let fly from distance, but the Preston keeper was able to easily collect.

The Baggies weren't to be denied for long, however, and they hit the front with 18 minutes on the clock.

Mikey Johnston's clever footwork down the left opened up space for him to slide the ball across goal where Stefan Thordarson's touch inadvertently set up Maja to blast into the back of the net.