Paul Gallagher scored twice as Preston North End defeated Charlton Athletic 3-0 in the Championship this evening.

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.

Alan Browne hit the bar just before half time as Preston went in two goals to the good at the break.

The lead was extended further when Johnson found the bottom left corner from 20 yards.

Charlton had no answer and Preston continued to attack until the final whistle.

Eoin Doyle and Greg Cunningham both shot wide and substitute Will Keane failed to test Pope in stoppage time.

The result sees Charlton stretch their winless run to eight matches, and drop into the Championship relegation zone in the process. Preston, meanwhile, rise to 17th in the table.