The first half was fairly even with West Brom having the best chance - a free header straight at the keeper. Preston's front two worked hard without much support from out wide and despite a lot of possession again nothing came of it. A block by Mellor early on the closest North End came.
Preston were comfortable up until the hour mark. West Brom not really troubling the defence and Preston's attack well has not really troubled anyone all season. The one thing about having a misfiring attack is that you need a steady defence and once again a simple error at the back was costly.
Kevin Phillips was left unmarked six yards out and headed in from a simple cross to give West Brom the lead. The game was pretty much dead then as Preston flattered to deceive in the final third.
Hawley and Caroll came on up front along with Whaley. Caroll wa slively and may well start next week showing strength and aggression.
Moments later the match was done with substitute Isthmail Miller a former Preston target whilst at Man City raced past the Preston defence, ignored Ellington who was free unmarked in the middle and cooly slotted past Henderson.
Preston held their own for the most part but this is a changed West Brom team who will get better as the season goes on. North End really need to start helping the front two more from the wide positions to stand any chance of gaining points at the moment as simple errors at the back are costing the team dear.
Simpson now has a week to prepare for Colchester at home and should he not get a positive result out of that then a close eye may well be cast over the firepower and defensive errors thayt have cost dear so far.
