After the chopping and changing of last season Preston now have a settled side in a formation which seems to suit them. The players are contributing to the cause and there has been an upturn in results throughout the past few weeks giving some cause for optimism.
West Brom are expected to return to the top flight at the first attempt so this was always going to be a tough game for Preston. In reality, it was probably one of the poorest West Brom performances at Deepdale in recent memory with the away side being very physical.
It did take some time for Preston to get into the game with the visitors trying to over power the home side. Hugill and Baeur were involved in a collision whereby the former Preston player was lucky not to receive a card especially when Van den Berg was booked for a lesser offence early on.
Iversen was forced into action but the away team were unable to force a way through. As Preston slowly clawed their way back into the game they took the lead.
A ball ended up at Whiteman's feet after a visiting defender feigned injury by grabbing his head. The officiating was poor all game but the referee clearly wasn't falling for the antics. Whiteman curled a shot from the edge of the box whch took a deflection and gave the keeper no chance.
Preston were unable to hold the lead and West Brom equalised just before the break. A long throw which was taken around ten yards from the spot where the ball went out was launched into the box. It was flicked on and Phillips was free at the back post to head home.
The second half became fragmented and the major attraction was between the West Brom bench and a towel on the sidelines which was used for the throw-in takers. It caused much bemusement as the towel was persistently moved much to the annoyance of the visitors.
Therre were limtied chances for either side. Ledson had a shot saved and Hugill had a chance for the visitors to win it at the death but he tamely fired at Iversen who saved.
A draw was probably a fair result. It keeps Preston's recent unbeaten run going and they will be hopeful that momentum is building. West Brom are going to be in the shake up at the end of the season so Preston know the benchmark for this season and they now know they can compete.