CHARLIE’S A DARLING TO ALBION

CHARLIE AUSTIN’S last-minute penalty sent West Brom back to the top of the Championship at Deepdale last night.

Austin, a 75th-minute substitute, kept his nerve as he sent Declan Rudd the wrong way.

But Preston were fuming at what looked a soft penalty award by referee Oliver Langford, claiming Kyle Edwards had dangled his leg in the hope goalkeeper Rudd would make contact.

Austin said: ”I think it’s a penalty, Kyle anticipated a touch, felt contact and went down but that’s the luck you need.

“I’m an experienced cool head and I know what I’m doing. I had a look at the keeper and sent him the wrong way.”

The goal ended a night of frustration for Slaven Bilic’s side but was cruel on injury-hit Preston, who had battled so hard.

Albion dominated first-half possession and carved out a number of chances against a Preston side missing five key players. The big surprise was that it remained goalless at the interval.

Rudd had saved shots from Nathan Ferguson, Hal Robson-Kanu and Matt Phillips, who also curled an effort just wide. Unmarked Kyle Bartley somehow fired wide from close range after Phillips’ far-post free-kick. Preston’s only goal threat came when Sean Maguire’s shot from an impossible angle was beaten out by Sam Johnstone. Preston showed greater energy, aggression and goal threat after the break and Johnstone’s fingertip save from Daniel Johnson denied them the lead before Alan Browne’s goal-bound shot was blocked by Ferguson virtually on the line.