Preston North End skipper Alan Browne puts his winner at Derby down to a good Christmas dinner

Preston North End skipper Alan Browne says he is tempted to tuck into a second Christmas dinner after scoring Boxing Day's last-gasp winner against Derby County.
Preston North End midfielder Ryan Ledson celebrates as Alan Browne's winner beats the Derby goalkeeperPreston North End midfielder Ryan Ledson celebrates as Alan Browne's winner beats the Derby goalkeeper
Preston North End midfielder Ryan Ledson celebrates as Alan Browne's winner beats the Derby goalkeeper

Browne struck in the sixth minute of stoppage-time to give the Lilywhites a 1-0 victory and end the Rams' unbeaten run under caretaker manager Wayne Rooney.

It was the second season running the Republic of Ireland midfielder had scored on Boxing Day, with him netting in a 1-1 draw at Leeds United last year.

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So clearly Browne has a liking for festive football and he thinks a turkey dinner - shared with team-mate Sean Maguire - was a good omen.

Alan Browne is mobbed by his PNE team-mates after scoring the winner against DerbyAlan Browne is mobbed by his PNE team-mates after scoring the winner against Derby
Alan Browne is mobbed by his PNE team-mates after scoring the winner against Derby

Browne said: "Ryan Ledson made a great run which took the defender with him, that opened up the goal for me.

"That is my second goal in two years now after my Christmas dinner - my missus just reminded me of that!

"I might be having another one for next week's pre-match. I wouldn't mind that.

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"My missus and Sean Maguire's missus cooked Christmas dinner. I chipped in with a few bits but I'm not a great cook."

Browne was in the thick of the action all afternoon, playing in three different positions as the game went on.

He was also on the receiving end of a bad tackle from Martyn Waghorn which saw the Derby player sent-off in the 20th minute, leaving the Rams to battle on with 10 men.

They looked like they had held out for a point until Browne struck, curling home a fine left-footed shot from the right-hand side of the box.

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