Gallagher is turning clock back for Alex
OLD hand Paul Gallagher rolled back the years to set up Preston’s breakthrough goals and make it only one defeat in their last 12 Championship outings.
North End’s two goals in four first-half minutes came from Irish International Alan Browne, followed by another in quick succession from Tom Barkhuizen.
And when Andrew Hughes added a deflected goal late on, it was all over for Millwall, who dropped into the relegation zone, still winless on their travels.
For Browne, it was his third in five games for form team Preston.
Gallagher carved out the opportunity with a cross that was missed by Lukas Nmecha, only for Browne to rifle home an angled drive to notch his seventh goal of the season.
MIllwall had barely recovered when Gallagher, 34, set up Barkhuizen to power home his sixth of the campaign to end any hope of the Lions chalking up their first away win of the campaign.
The veteran was only unable to get in on the act himself after being denied by a finger-tip save from keeper Jordan Archer.
North End boss Alex Neil said: “It wasn’t the best game or our best performance but one defeat in 12 speaks for itself. We got the job done against a tough side.
“Two great passes from Gally gave us the platform. He gave his all for us and I’m grateful for his application.”
Downhearted Lions boss Neil Harris said: “They scored with three shots inside the box. We had eleven. The difference is that they took their chances and we didn’t. You can’t afford to miss those chances.”
Millwall pulled one back when Jake Cooper celebrated signing an extended contract by heading past keeper Declan Rudd.
The effort by Cooper – who is being tracked by Rangers – was hacked away by Tom Clarke but ref John Brooks ruled it had crossed the line.
The Lions then enjoyed a hot spell but all they had to show for it was a consolation when Gregory curled in an added-time goal.