Last updated on .From the section Championship

Paul Gallagher (right) scored one and set up another for Preston

Preston eased past a poor Wigan side in the Lancashire derby for their first Championship points of the season.

Sean Maguire headed Paul Gallagher's corner across the keeper to put the hosts ahead, but Wigan responded with Josh Windass and Lewis Macleod forcing saves from Declan Rudd.

Five minutes after being denied an almost-certain goal, Louis Moult doubled Preston's lead with a free header from 10 yards which was too powerful for David Marshall to keep out.

Playmaker Gallagher curled a third into the top corner from a free-kick as Paul Cook's side offered little resistance after the break.

Wigan beat Cardiff in arguably the most impressive result of the opening weekend, but the Latics' struggles on the road last season continued at Deepdale.

Alex Neil's Preston made four changes from their defeat at Millwall, with Moult making his mark and Daniel Johnson playing his part in two of their goals.

First he was given time to cross from the left for Moult to head home, before playing a short one-two from the free-kick which Gallagher perfectly despatched.

Windass was the visitors' most dangerous player - forcing a decent, low second-half stop from Rudd - but Wigan's performance was little better than their previous trip to Preston last season, where the Latics were beaten 4-0.

Preston were without striker David Nugent, who is yet to feature since returning to the club this summer, but their opponents won just twice on their travels last season and this performance was a continuation of their away-day problems.

Preston manager Alex Neil:

"It was important for us to win here and to do it in the manner we did was very pleasing. We created enough chances to score even more goals.

"I made some bold changes with four alterations and took out some lads who have done brilliantly for us but if it's what I feel is right for that game, I will make those decisions.

"It was needed for the fans and for the players to get that confidence and belief back. One thing we won't be lacking this season is belief and I think the lads showed that."

Wigan Athletic manager Paul Cook:

"Of course I am frustrated to come away with this result. I understand the supporters and I am no different, it is frustrating that we could not get our game plan to work.

"We know we have to integrate players into the team but this is an unforgiving league. Last year the target was to stay up and this year we want to be better than that.

"But to do that we cannot come away from home and concede goals in the way we have done here. The players know that and so do I."