GALLAGHER’S
PRESTON North End boss Alex Neil hailed evergreen skipper Paul Gallagher after the playmaker inspired a comprehensive demolition of in-form Huddersfield Town.
Galvanised by the arrival of Danny Cowley, the Terriers kicked off unbeaten in seven and had collected more points in October than any other side in the Championship.
But they were bludgeoned into submission by the division’s top scorers, with Gallagher unleashing a sublime free-kick to tee-up Jayden Stockley, then netting an unstoppable penalty after Alan Browne doubled the advantage.
Juninho Bacuna did pull one back with a sensational solo effort, but it proved little more than a consolation for a Huddersfield side schooled in midfield management by the Preston captain.
“Gally’s just a quality player, isn’t he?” said Lilywhites boss Neil, who was taking charge of his first home game since rejecting the chance to manage Stoke. “You give him the ball and things happen. For a player, his tactical understanding is absolutely exceptional.
“And his quality is there for all to see. He’s the only player I’ve ever worked with who, when you get a free kick, you think: ‘He’s going to score’. Penalties, I never have any doubts. He’s that good.”
Gallagher is getting on these days, but the flawless technique that has anchored his long career remains a fearsome weapon.
Just four minutes had elapsed when the 35-year-old curled an elusive free-kick beyond the reach of Kamil Grabara and against the inside of a post.
From the rebound, Stockley bravely dived into a threshing sea of boots to nod home his first goal of the season.
Organisation and solidity have been Huddersfield’s hallmarks since the Cowleys arrived in September, yet both were absent in a shambolic opening half. Almost every cross caused pandemonium.
Perhaps that can be attributed to the early departure of defensive lynchpin Tommy Elphick, forced off with an injury after an knee-high challenge from Ryan Ledson. According to Cowley, the Preston midfielder was fortunate to see only yellow. “It should’ve been a sending off,”