Charlton Athletic 0-3 Preston North End

Paul Gallagher had only scored one goal all season before the match

Paul Gallagher scored twice as Preston picked up their first Championship win in 10 games to move above opponents Charlton and out of the bottom three.

Captain Gallagher curled a free-kick into the bottom corner from more than 20 yards after Adam Reach was fouled.

Gallagher doubled the lead with good technique to net from a tight angle after his corner was cleared.

Alan Browne headed against the bar before Daniel Johnson hit a rasping left-footed shot to end the contest.

The heavy home defeat leaves Charlton in the relegation zone with no victories in their last eight league matches.

The game was less than two minutes old when Charlton midfielder El-Hadji Ba lost the ball and brought down Reach, with Gallagher punishing the mistake from the resulting set-piece.

North End had scored only seven Championship goals before the game, but Scotsman Gallagher was on form in only his second start since August.

His second came when Charlton goalkeeper Nick Pope, who started despite Stephen Henderson returning to the bench, could only clear Gallagher's corner back to him, and the finish was spectacular.

Johnson's strike maintained the theme of goals from outside the box, beating Tareiq Holmes-Dennis to a loose ball before driving in a fierce effort.

Guy Luzon's side now have the division's longest winless run and never looked like scoring, testing Preston goalkeeper Jordan Pickford on just one occasion.

Charlton head coach Guy Luzon:

"I always think positive. When we have an 11 with balance, and our good players on the pitch, we'll get results.

"No (it's not my toughest period as a manager). I've been managing for 15 years, and during those 15 years I've had a lot of obstacles.

"Now's the time for the club to be together - the fans, the players, the staff - this is the only way to come back. We will do everything to do that on Saturday."

Preston manager Simon Grayson:

"Games like this boost your belief and confidence.

"I told the players to this use a springboard. There will be highs and lows throughout the division.

"We feel we have put together a squad with quality. It will be nice when the strikers start scoring as well."

Gallagher celebrates his first goal with team-mate Greg Cunningham

Charlton had very few chances and showed no signs of a second-half comeback

Addicks head coach Guy Luzon took over at the Valley in January