Back-to-back home wins thanks to Hugill

JORDAN HUGILL’S first-half strike was enough to earn Preston their second win of the season.

Alex Neil’s side missed a catalogue of chances to build on that lead but were never seriously tested by the Royals.

Preston have now won four of their last five meetings with Reading and have lost just one of their last 13 home league games, including an opening-day triumph over Sheffield Wednesday.

The hosts came close to opening the scoring when former Manchester United youngster Josh Harrop’s corner was flicked on at the near post and came to centre-back Ben Davies, who guided a volley just over from 12 yards out.

They went close again when another Old Trafford product Ben Pearson, back from suspension, surged through the heart of the Reading defence and poked a shot at goal only to be denied by keeper Vito Mannone.

It took until only the 11th minute for Pearson – who was sent off against Leeds – to enter the book again as he brought down Leandro Bacuna.

Preston deservedly took the lead in the 22nd minute.

Tom Barkhuizen’s cross from the left was brilliantly attacked by Sean Maguire.

His header put it on a plate for Hugill to control on his chest before firing home from six yards.

The hosts had first-half chances to double the lead through Maguire and Barkhuizen who also wasted opportunities to make the margin of victory more comfortable after the break.

Neil said: “I’m extremely satisfied. I thought we were the better side and created numerous opportunities.”

Royals boss Jaap Stam said: “I am not happy with how we played – we gave a lot of balls away.”