Albion won 2-1 in an entertaining Sky Bet Championship clash against Preston North End on Saturday afternoon.
Goals either side of half-time by Mikey Johnston and Isaac Price earned the Baggies three points at The Hawthorns, despite Michael Smith’s consolation.
The hosts peppered Preston’s goal without finding a breakthrough straight away. Sam Iling-Junior and Josh Maja both had shots blocked, while Alex Mowatt fired over and Johnston saw two efforts go narrowly wide.
Albion’s best early chance fell to Price, who saw a half-volley superbly saved before North End’s Daniel Iversen kept out his rebound. The Northern Ireland international also forced the visiting shot-stopper into tipping over an excellent long-range shot.
Josh Griffiths did have to brilliantly stop Milutin Osmajic’s one-on-one finish with his feet down the other end, but finally - five minutes ahead of half-time - the deserved opener arrived in style. Johnston cut inside from the left and hammered home an outstanding strike, ensuring the Baggies led at the break.
Ryan Mason’s men weathered a storm after the restart as Preston attempted a response.
However, it was Albion who netted next when Price found the top corner to coolly convert a quick counter-attack and double his side’s advantage.
Substitute Smith halved the deficit 12 minutes from the end, setting up some late drama.
Thankfully, though, the Baggies remained resolute - thanks in part to a late Griffiths save - and saw the game through, claiming victory on their return to Championship action.
Albion: Griffiths, Campbell, Phillips, Mepham, Styles, Iling-Junior (Grant 87), Collyer (Molumby 55), Mowatt, Johnston (Taylor 87), Price (Diakite 88), Maja (Heggebø 68).
Substitutes: Wildsmith, Bielik, Gilchrist, Dike.
Attendance: 24,068 (1,998).