Manager Graham Westley is looking for his side to impose their own game on the opposition as they head off on three away games in a week, starting at Doncaster on Tuesday night.
The PNE gaffer admits that the side have so far tried to adapt too much to their opponents whilst on their travels and is looking, as they head to two of the bigger pitches in the league, to use their ‘home’ game to full effect on the road.
“I said last season that Deepdale is a particular type of venue; you need a certain type of team to play there,” he told the press ahead of the clash at the Keepmoat Stadium. “You need width, balance and pace. You need passers, you can’t afford to carry people who can’t handle the ball because it is a big venue and if you don’t hold onto the football you will use a lot of unnecessary energy chasing after it.
“Fortunately we go to two grounds this week that should suit our style, because they are decent sized grounds and pitches, which should mean our style is suited to those occasions – so I am positive about that.
“So far we have probably been away and adapted our style too much and we need to take our game into opponents’ venues to make sure we get the best out of ourselves.”
The Lilywhites picked up three valuable points at home to Yeovil on Saturday, recording their fourth league victory of the campaign against the Glovers and the 44-year-old thinks they are now on the front foot.
“The lads will want to go and win on Tuesday night and win again on Saturday. The team is coming together. It is evolving and learning. It was a good step to come from behind on Saturday, that is always a positive and it is another important building block in the development of this team.
“They are going to be a good side; they are a great bunch of lads who have put in some terrific performances already, but will get better. We are where we are and we will only step forwards.
“Most professional players find a reason on the day to play at their very best; that’s their job. They give themselves the responsibility to go out there and have the hunger that is needed.
“I am always concerned to ensure that the hunger of our own players is right, because in the end that’s what wins you the points.”