Controversial penalty lifts Baggies into second spot

WEST BROM moved into second place in the First Division thanks to a controversial penalty winner against Preston at The Hawthorns yesterday.

Lee Hughes scored the only goal from the spot on the stroke of half-time but the kick was much delayed after North End goalkeeper Jonathan Gould protested against the decision to send him off for the challenge on Hughes which led to the penalty.

Gould felt Hughes had dived but the Baggies striker held his nerve to net his fourth goal in three games after failing to score a single goal in the Premiership last season.