Paul Gallagher scores the winner as Preston North End beat MK Dons

Preston North End have beaten MK Dons to win their first league game of the Championship season.

The Dons went close to opening the scoring in the first 10 minutes as Dean Bowditch released Sam Gallagher through on goal, but he dragged his shot marginally wide.

The home side kept the pressure on in the opening 20 minutes as Carl Baker's header was kept out by goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.

Up the other end, Paul Gallagher released Daniel Johnson but he dragged an effort inches past the post.

Preston did take the lead minutes later though, as Gallagher slotted the ball into bottom corner after Will Keane had slipped him through on goal.

Johnson almost doubled Preston's lead as he raced through on goal, but fired wide yet again, before Ben Reeves had an effort cleared off the line for MK Dons.

Preston defender Tom Clarke then headed the ball into the back of the net, but the referee ruled it out for a foul.

After the break, Preston stayed on the front foot as Joe Garner headed marginally over the bar from a Gallagher corner, before Will Keane blasted wide from a good position.

The hosts looked resigned to defeat until Preston were reduced to 10 men in the final few minutes as substitute Jordan Hugill was shown a straight red card for a stamp.