Half-Time Report: Paul Gallagher brace gives Preston North End half-time lead

Paul Gallagher has scored twice to give Preston North End the lead over Charlton Athletic at half time.

Preston took the lead with their first attack, when Jordan Cousins fouled Adam Reach and Gallagher stepped up to send the ball into the bottom left corner from the free kick.

Debutant Tareiq Holmes-Dennis set up Karlan Ahearne-Grant in the 16th minute, but the striker's shot was blocked by a Preston defender.

Daniel Johnson then looked to double his side's lead, but he was thwarted by Nick Pope's save.

Tony Watt tested Jordan Pickford with a shot from the edge of the area before Morgan Fox missed the target, and Charlton were punished for their profligacy just before half time.

Once again, it was Gallagher and once again it was from a set-piece situation. This time, the Scotsman struck into the top right corner after a corner was not dealt with.