Roberto Di Matteo was happy to see his side end a mini slump at Preston – but admitted he thought the Baggies deserved all three points. Preston skipper, Andy Lonergan, kept his side in the game with saves from Graham Dorrans in each half as the Scottish midfielder impressed in an advanced role.
After defeats against Crystal Palace and Barnsley, Albion headed to Deepdale aiming to end their winless streak with Di Matteo opting for a five-man midfield. Marek Cech returned to the starting XI with Dorrans playing off Roman Bednar up front.
Despite an envious home record it was Albion which looked more sharp and dangerous in the first-half. Dorrans came the closest to opening the scoring after a winding run saw Lonergan push his effort onto the post and away.
Preston responded after the break with Mellor and Jones coming close with headers. However Albion rallied towards the end with Dorrans again testing Lonergan with a free header in injury time which was saved on the line.
"It was important we didn't lose today," said Di Matteo.
"We played excellently and were very dangerous on the counter-attack.
"We should have actually scored one goal as well.
"It seems the opposition goalkeeper always plays well against us!
"It's not the first time this season a keeper has had a great day.
"But it's important we create chances and are dangerous when we're going forward.
"We worked very hard today - but it wasn't meant to be.
"We never said it was going to be easy in this division and today we put a lot of effort and commitment in and got something out of the game.
"I've got to be objective about the season so far.
"We had a bad 45 minutes at Barnsley.
"But we've played 11 games and there have been a lot of minutes where we've played well.
"We had the chances to win this game but lady luck wasn't on our side today.
"Preston never looked like scoring and our midfield was very strong.
"We hit the post, had a few shots off target and there was a great couple of saves by their keeper.
"We were always dangerous.
"At the end of the day, it is a point away from home at a difficult place."