West Brom climb to second

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

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.

Sunderland beat Watford 2-0 at the Stadium of Light to claim their second successive First Division win after a run of 17 league defeats.

The Black Cats avoided equalling Darwen’s 104-year-old record for consecutive losses by defeating Preston at the weekend and Marcus Stewart put them ahead with a 40th-minute penalty after he was tripped by Marcus Gayle.

The second came in the 67th minute when Stewart crossed from the left and full-back Stephen Wright arrived late to fire home for his first goal in Sunderland colours and provide the Black Cats with their first home league win in more than eight months.

The defeat for Watford left them bottom as Burnley – who had previously occupied 24th spot – won 3-0 at Gillingham.

The Clarets scored two in three minutes, first through Ian Moore in the 27th minute and then Dean West side-footed in a second from Luke Chadwick’s cross on the half-hour.

Robbie Blake added a third with 13 minutes remaining after latching on to a Glen Little through-ball.

The Clarets had lost all their previous three matches and ended the Gills’ unbeaten start to the season.

Rotherham claimed a point with a goalless draw at second-placed Reading.

Ronnie Moore’s side survived a first-half penalty scare when Nicky Forster appeared to be tripped by Chris Swailes.

Royals goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann then had to make a smart late stop to deny John Mullin a late winner for the visitors.