One man able to share in the derby day victory success in a similar fashion to the fans in the stands is goalkeeper Andy Lonergan, who was a proud man after making it third time lucky against Blackpool at Bloomfield Road.
The Tangerines' stint in the lower leagues prior to 2007/08 has denied the keeper too many chances to take on the old enemy down the years, with the boyhood North End fan taking part in a draw and a defeat last time round, when only Wes Hoolahan's penalty managed to breach his defences over the course of 180 minutes.
Having made a number of key saves either side of the break during Sunday's 3-1 triumph, Lonergan left the field with his face a picture of delight - not only for seeing off the Seasiders for the first time, but also for coming out on top personally after a testing time. He explained to PNE.com:
"I've only played against them twice before - the two games last season - so to get a victory against them was brilliant. They're a tough team, who played very well to their strengths, and I think we were very fortunate with the conditions, which were the best we possibly could have expected for a game at Bloomfield Road in November.
"We drew 0-0 here last year, and we probably would have taken that before the game, but the lift that this result has given us is unbelievable."
Andy has had to endure some flak at times this season with opinions divided as to his role in the side, but he hopes that some sterling work at the back in such a high pressure game can help to prove his case that he is one of the division's leading lights between the sticks. He admitted:
"In this league it's very difficult to keep clean sheets because every single attack is a threat. It's not like in the Premier League where you've got your top four that don't concede goals and beat everybody - this league can be frightening in the way that anybody can beat everybody by any scoreline.
"I've got a lot to get off my chest because I know how things are going and I've beem getting a lot of stick. In my eyes, it's not called for. We've been losing, but to say I've lost us the games is beyond me, and results like this can give you great relief and a chance to say 'I'm not a bad goalkeeper'.
"The one shot that beat me was an awesome strike. He obviously got lucky with the way the ball rebounded off Cal [Davidson], but he absolutely thumped it into that top corner.
"Aside from that I feel I made some good saves so I'm happy."
