Preston North End lose fifth straight game without scoring as West Brom secure play-off spot

Not for the first time towards the back end of Preston North End’s season, match day was all about the opposition. In the West Midlands sunshine, West Brom were looking to book their place in the play-offs on the final day of the campaign. But, at risk of repeating, the Lilywhites - for whom ninth was the highest possible finish - were desperate to win a game of football. Ryan Lowe’s side arrived at The Hawthorns on the back of four straight defeats, without scoring in any of them. PNE, in the league, had not lost five league games on the bounce for 21 years; they had never done so without finding the back of the net.

Albion had packed out their stadium for the 12:30 showdown and when the Baggies are right behind their team, the place booms with noise. Ryan Lowe had made three changes on the final day, but the sight of John Swift on the hosts’ bench would’ve been as pleasant a pre-match sight any for North End supporters. The midfielder has been a constant menace, over the years, against Preston teams. Carlos Corberan’s side knew a point would secure a top six finish, but the decibels were brought down a few notches as the first half progressed.