Preston North End picked up an impressive 2-0 victory over West Bromwich Albion at The Hawthorns.

The Lilywhites struck first when Emil Riis tapped in a deflected cross from Greg Cunningham for his 14th goal of the season.

Cameron Archer then wrapped up all three points for the visitors as he came off the bench to bag his first goal for Preston since arriving on loan from Aston Villa.

West Brom suffered their first home defeat in 14 EFL Championship matches and stay fifth in the table, having won just once in their last six matches.

Story of the match

Preston were nearly in front after just three minutes, a cross by Ben Whiteman headed inches wide by Andrew Hughes.

The visitors had a penalty shout when Ryan Ledson found Riis in the box, Cedric Kipre tripping him, but appeals for the spot kick were waved away.

Riis was again involved just after the half-hour mark as he was played in by Alan Browne, but he failed to hit the target.

West Brom finally had a good chance when Adam Reach pulled the ball back for Alex Mowatt, his shot going over under pressure from Ledson. 

Four minutes from halftime, the Lilywhites opened the scoring. Whiteman's clever touch found Greg Cunningham, his cross into the area deflected goalwards and Riis bundled it over the line.

Embed from Getty Images

Callum Robinson was introduced early in the second half and he curled wide from the edge of the area, Matt Phillips had a shot blocked and Grady Diangana steered a free-kick wide.

It could have been two for Preston as Ched Evans squared for Riis, but he flashed his effort well wide.

The lead was doubled as Archer came on for Riis and ten minutes later, the debutant headed home after Cunningham's shot was saved.

Man of the match: Alan Browne

The Preston skipper was brilliant. He was lively and energetic throughout the game and his quality in possession was a constant. 

His creativity in setting up Riis several times shone through and he was instrumental in setting up both goals.