Oxford United’s Derby defeat doubled down with Baggies win

The Baggies won 2-0 away at Preston thanks to goals from Josh Maja and Daryl Dike to lift themselves five points clear of Oxford United and the relegation zone.

The result came just hours after the U’s lost 1-0 at Derby County in a frustrating affair which saw Matt Bloomfield’s side squander a number of good chances to salvage something at Pride Park.

Relegation rivals West Brom picked up their win in the midst of a potential points deduction after they were accused of breaching the EFL’s profit and sustainability regulations.

West Bromwich Albion’s Josh Maja gets away from Oxford United midfielder Yunus Konak (Image: Jason Dawson)

It is yet to be confirmed whether the West Midlands club will receive a punishment for their breach, leaving question marks over the state of the Championship table with just three matches remaining for most teams.

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After the most recent set of results, a points deduction could hand the Yellows a lifeline, potentially putting them back within touching distance of James Morrison’s Baggies.

In one of the other early kick-offs, Portsmouth beat a dour Leicester City who look all but doomed, Pompey now seven points clear of the drop.

With Oxford in 22nd, West Brom are two places ahead with Blackburn Rovers in between having played one game more.

Rovers are level with the Baggies on 49 points, the U’s currently on 44.

Bloomfield’s side face Wrexham at the Kassam Stadium next on Tuesday night.