Alex hails threestyle
ALEX NEIL revealed he received the response he demanded after his Preston side dismantled near neighbours Wigan.
The North End boss was fuming after their meek opening-day loss at Millwall and made sweeping changes.
And first-half goals from strikers Sean Maguire and Louis Moult were added to by Paul Gallagher’s free-kick to gun down their Lancashire rivals.
“We were really threatening and could have scored more,” beamed Neil.
“We needed a win, especially after losing the first game – and we did it in a good manner.
“All the lads clicked and gelled, we did really well.
“We won’t have a lack of belief this season.”
Gallagher led from the front with an assist as well as his fine set-piece strike as the battling Lilywhites bounced back in style.
“Gally’s quality has been there for all to season,” added Neil. “He’s been a key player for me ever since I’ve been here.”
Midfielder Ben Pearson had a powerful shot blocked early on to set the tone before Gallagher took centre stage.
It was Maguire who found room to head home from Gallagher’s inchperfect cross after only six minutes.
And then strike partner Moult doubled the lead just before the break. He fired home a clinical header supplied by Daniel Johnson’s cross.
North End keeper Declan Rudd thwarted Josh Windass with a brilliant fingertip block.
And moments later Rudd tipped Lewis Macleod’s curling effort wide as the visitors came agonisingly close to hitting back.
But Preston pushed on and after Maguire and Gallagher had chances, the hosts wrapped up the win.
Gallagher completed a fine performance with a contender for goal of the season as he lashed into the top-right corner with a wonderful shot that left keeper David Marshall helpless.
Angry Latics boss Paul Cook slammed: “We were soft. The players will not get an easy ride from me, make no mistake about that.
“You say I’m not happy is a big understatement.
“We huffed and we puffed, but there were no positives from the game.
“In any derby match, if you’re not prepared to fight and scrap, then you’ll get beat.” PRESTON WIGAN 5 ........ Shots on Target .........6 6 ........ Shots off Target ......... 2 8 ................Corners ................. 7 13 ................. Fouls .................. 18 0 ............... Offsides ................ 0 74.0 .. Passing Success ... 74.8 354 ...... Total Passes ......... 361 48.8 .......Possession ......... 51.2 52.6 . Territorial Adv%... 47.4