The Lilywhites secured their first win over Walsall at the fourth time of asking this season, and manager Simon Grayson was delighted to finally get one over on the Sadlers this evening.
Daniel Johnson’s first-half goal – his second from as many games the difference as the Lilywhites ran out 1-0 winners – although it could have been more had it not been for the heroics of Richard O’Donnell - the same man who denied North End on countless occasions in the JPT semi-final first-leg.
And after three frustrating games against the Sadlers this campaign, the North End boss took to PNE Player to signal his happiness which saw North End record a fourth league victory in as many games, as well as finally getting one over on Dean Smith’s side after a bright opening hour.
That wasn’t without a late charge from the away side, but Grayson’s side held on to record another valuable three points.
“We created some good chances and we played at a real good tempo with or without the ball,” said Grayson on his sides opening to the game.
“Their keeper made some great saves – we played with real urgency and passed it really well.
“We got the goal and after that we wanted to get another – but we started to give the ball away too cheaply at times and when you give the ball away against good teams who can handle it then you’re going to put yourself under pressure.
“But saying that I think they only had two shots on target so for all the possession they had towards the end, they didn’t trouble us too much and we defended resilient.”
Head to PNE Player for more gaffer reaction, as Grayson also praises the recent form of Daniel Johnson as well as the latest on the head injury sustained by Tom Clarke.
And after three frustrating games against the Sadlers this campaign, the North End boss took to PNE Player to signal his happiness which saw North End record a fourth league victory in as many games, as well as finally getting one over on Dean Smith’s side after a bright opening hour.
That wasn’t without a late charge from the away side, but Grayson’s side held on to record another valuable three points.
“We created some good chances and we played at a real good tempo with or without the ball,” said Grayson on his sides opening to the game.
“Their keeper made some great saves – we played with real urgency and passed it really well.
“We got the goal and after that we wanted to get another – but we started to give the ball away too cheaply at times and when you give the ball away against good teams who can handle it then you’re going to put yourself under pressure.
“But saying that I think they only had two shots on target so for all the possession they had towards the end, they didn’t trouble us too much and we defended resilient.”
Head to PNE Player for more gaffer reaction, as Grayson also praises the recent form of Daniel Johnson as well as the latest on the head injury sustained by Tom Clarke.