Bolton Wanderers down Preston as fast start puts them top | OneFootball

Bolton Wanderers beat Preston North End 2-1 to start the Championship on top, sealed by Sam Dalby and Thierry Gale before Jusef Erabi's late reply.

In the 14th minute, Sam Dalby guided a left-footed finish into the bottom left corner from the centre of the box.

Thierry Gale doubled the lead with a low strike from outside the area (25.), teed up by John McAtee on the break.

After the restart, Jack Bonham preserved the advantage with sharp stops, denying Callum Lang before thwarting Milutin Osmajic (66.).

Substitute Jusef Erabi halved the deficit with a glanced header from Andrija Vukcevic's cross (86.). The summer arrival's strike was his first Preston goal.

Preston pressed late, and Liam Lindsay headed just too high in the fourth minute of stoppage time at the end of the second half.

Bolton Wanderers attempted 15 shots with six on target and had 55% possession. Preston registered 10 attempts and were flagged offside seven times.

Next, Bolton Wanderers visit Queens Park Rangers. Preston host Wolverhampton Wanderers.