First team coach and reserves boss David Unsworth waxed lyrical about the young talent at the Club after their 7-0 demolition of Blackpool in the Lancashire Senior Cup on Wednesday afternoon.
The Lilywhites put their local rivals to the sword at Bamber Bridge and Unsy was impressed by the level of display, that could really have seen the side come away with a double-figure scoreline, having carved out close to 40 attempts on goal.
"Every one of the lads were superb," he told PNE.Com. "We set about it right; we pressed the ball; played with a real high tempo and it could have been more than ten. The young lads came out and showed what they are capable of and put in a very good performance.
"We try and do it right. We try and pass the ball and create chances and the lads have shown today, on a difficult surface, that if you create chances, you score lots of goals and we have good players and it is testimony to the staff that have worked with them, that they are good players. Dean, Jamie and myself try to get them doing it on a consistent level week in, week out and for 95 per cent of the season the lads have shown that.
"It is a big ask for the lads to play in every reserve game and every youth team game, at the position they are in the development and we are really proud of them. There is a semi-final for them to look forward to now, as well as hopefully winning their league, so it has been a great season for them. But they are not there yet and they have to keep working hard and put in more performances like that."
The manager has been saying for a number of weeks that he wants the first team to secure their Championship status, so that some of the youngsters can get their chance to show what they are capable at that level and Unsworth thinks that when they get that chance they can do well.
"From the top down we try and play football and what we ask of our first team is no different to what we ask of our kids, so the Club as a whole is doing it right and moving in the right direction.
"We have some good young players who will hopefully in the next season or two be coming through and progress into the first team. Danny Mayor and Adam Barton have already stepped up to the plate, competing for a first team place every week and that is a great incentive for the other boys to look to.
"The gaffer is a man of his word and he will definitely give them a chance. We just have to get over the line for them and then we have the opportunity to go and play with a freedom, where the lads don't have to worry about making a mistake. Hopefully we can do that on Saturday against Scunthorpe."
