Daryl Dike keeps West Brom playoff spot alive with winner against Wigan Athletic

By Wale Mustapha

Nigerian born West Brom striker, Daryl Dike scored a decisive goal for Baggies to beat Wigan 1-0 in the EFL Championship clash at the Hawthorns on Tuesday.

Dike who is of Nigeria descent but representing the United States, the country of his mum headed in the first half goal that gave West Brom more believe in their quest to make the promotion playoffs.

The Baggies went into the match in search of their ninth home win in 10 against a struggling Latics who are not sure of championship football next season as they continue sinking deep on the log.

The hosts drew the first blood in the opening 15 minutes when Dike could have get his second of season but Wigan keeper dived well to keep his effort out.

Dike’s goal, and the one that eventually earned Coach Corberan’s side four-point cushion to playoff spot arrived in the 27th minutes when he rise above others in the box to nod home from a rebound.

Dike was close to his second successive home brace five minutes later but was denied by a smart save by Ben Amos.

The second half saw an improved Wigan side aiming to get their season back on track but could not find a way past Baggies’ defense that was further solidified by introduction of another Nigerian player in Semi Ajayi.

West Brom remained composed to take the points and revive hopes of a return to the top-flight after just two years’ absence.

Wigan on the other hand, have now dropped to the foot of the Championship standings on goal difference, ahead of a short but daunting journey to face the league leaders, Burnley on Saturday.