Joe Garner bagged a hat-trick for Preston to keep them in the automatic promotion driving seat heading into the club’s last game against Colchester.
The Lilywhites are currently sat in 2nd place in League 1, just one point ahead of MK Dons in third. With one game remaining – against Colchester – a win would give them promotion up to the Championship.
The game against Swindon is the club’s last home game of the season and things got off to a flying start with Joe Garner lobbing keeper Tyrell Belford to put PNE 1-0 up inside two minutes.
Swindon managed to hold onto the ball and gain a long period of possession that resulted in several chances for the visitors, including an extremely close chance for Jack Barthram which was just saved by Sam Johnstone.
However, Preston managed to increase their lead just before half-time through Joe Garner again. Paul Gallagher took a free-kick from around 30 yards out, which found the head of the Jackal, who headed the ball into the net.
Just five minutes into the second half, Garner had a chance to seal his hat-trick, only to send the ball over the bar after a superb cross by Chris Humphrey. But, in the end, he did manage to get his third just a minute later.
Jermaine Beckford found his way into the Swindon box and fired a shot towards goal, only for the ball to hit the crossbar. Who was there to finish off the rebound? Joe Garner, to secure his third hat-trick of the season.
The remainder of the game saw chances for both teams, with Swindon again getting a good period of possession. But, in the end, the Lilywhites managed to secure the three points they needed and Joe Garner claimed the match ball in his 100th appearance for Preston.
At the end of the game, the PNE players also did a lap of the Deepdale pitch to thank the club’s supporters for their support throughout the season.
For Swindon Town, they can now finish off their last two games and then prepare for the play-offs as they bid to go up a league the hard way. As for Preston, their focus must now be on the Colchester game as they look to claim second place and a spot in the Championship next season.
Man Of The Match – Joe Garner.
