Bolton outgun Preston with first half double | OneFootball

Match in Five Sentences: Bolton Wanderers beat Preston North End 2-1. Sam Dalby struck in the 14th minute, then Thierry Gale added a second from distance (25.). After changes on the hour, substitute Jusef Erabi headed in (86.) for his first Preston goal, but Bolton held firm. Bolton attempted 15 shots and had 55.0% possession, reflecting their control. Bolton are top of the Championship and visit Queens Park Rangers next, while Preston host Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Player of the Match: Thierry Gale scored the decisive second and drove Bolton forward with three shots, two key passes and four successful dribbles.

Stat of the Match: Preston were caught offside seven times, repeatedly halting promising attacks as they chased a way back into the game.

Three Things We Learned: Two first half strikes set the platform for Bolton, who produced 15 attempts with six on target. Preston's bench added late threat, with a substitute scoring and Liam Lindsay missing two headed chances in the closing stages. Joshua Sheehan controlled the tempo for Bolton, completing 59 passes and supplying two key passes alongside four shots.