Maja kicks off 2025 with a bang: Super Eagles striker's brace inspires West Brom to win v Preston

Super Eagles striker Josh Maja netted a first half brace to inspire West Brom to a 3-1 win over Preston North End in a Championship clash held at The Hawthorns on Wednesday, January 1, 2025, allnigeriasoccer.com reports.

The victory against the Lilywhites marked the Baggies first win under caretaker boss Chris Brunt.

Eighteen minutes into the contest, Maja fired the ball into the back of the net after the Preston defence failed to deal with a cross from Mikey Johnson.

His lovely strike ended his eight-game goal drought for the Baggies, with his last goal coming against Norwich City on November 23, 2024,prior to the visit of Preston.

After Callum Styles fired into the bottom corner to double the advantage, Maja increased the lead five minutes to the end of the first half.

Maja finished from close range to net his second of the afternoon, after a strong run by Darnell Furlong on the right.

In the 70th minute, the visitors got one back through Ryan Ledson who finished from inside the box after a defensive error.

There was no hat-trick for Maja as he made way for Devante Cole four minutes after Preston North End pulled a goal back.

The Nigeria international has now netted twelve goals in the Championship so far this season, including an opening day hat-trick against Queens Park Rangers. 

With this result, West Brom's unbeaten home record stretches to three months,  moving them into fifth place in the provisional standings.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

Photo Credit: wba.co.uk

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