Manager Graham Westley believes it is another step in the right direction for his squad...
“I think his work-rate throughout the time he was on the field was terrific. He was chasing lost causes. It is inches that create the difference between success and failure so earn every inch I say.
“People said to me what is Beavon going to bring. I said he is going to bring a work-rate, he is going to bring a cleverness and he is going to bring a goal threat. I think this afternoon he showed all three. He got off to a good footing. It is always good for a striker a goal on his debut. He is going to be a big addition for us.
Stuart Beavon marked his first appearance for Preston with a goal, after signing for the club late on transfer deadline day. After a summer-long pursuit for the former Wycombe striker, Westley was delighted to have finally signed his man.
“Akpo’s goal was a terrific finish. I think he will look back at the game and think he should have got more out of it with the chances that he had. He will want to make sure that he works hard at his game in front of goal to convert the chances he is getting into even more end product.”
Westley was pleased with the contribution of Akpo Sodje as North End’s No 12 made it three goals in three games since signing for the club in August.
“It is about building on that now and making sure that when we do go in at 3-0 up in the future that we build on it with even more attacking and entertaining play in the second half.”
“Some of the football was terrific. The lads are working hard to own the football, retain the football and work with the football and there were some great passages of play.
“I think we have struggled to post league results in the time I have been here. It is nice to see the side playing with confidence, playing with freedom, playing with expression, scoring goals and putting sides to the sword for a change.
“There are a lot of winners in there. Their qualities are starting to merge together and they are starting to look more and more like a formidable outfit as the days go by.
“It was another step in the right direction for the team. The players have been working very hard to forge themselves together as a team. They are working so hard and are great lads to work with.
The Lilywhites played some outstanding football against Paulo Di Canio’s Robins, but the Preston manager insisted that today’s win was only the beginning, as Preston marked the start of the City’s Guild celebrations in perfect style.
“It was nice to hear (the noise from the fans). It’s up to us now to make sure it only gets louder.”
“It was important that we get the fans up and behind the team. It is a tough ground for anybody to come and visit. When you get the passion of Deepdale roaring, as it was this afternoon, you would not want to be an opponent.
“In the first half I think the players took our game to the ground and put on a sterling display. We were positive from the off. We looked to get ourselves ahead early, to get the ground rocking and it certainly was. Three terrific goals before half time and it could have been more.
And the Preston manager paid tribute to the club’s home supporters, as a rocking Deepdale helped inspire the Lilywhites to secure their first league win of the season and their second 4-1 victory in the space of the week.
PNE stormed into an early 2-0 lead thanks to goals from Akpo Sodje and Nicky Wroe, before further strikes from debutant Stuart Beavon and John Welsh’s first goal for the club wrapped up the points for North End.
Graham Westley was full of praise for his Preston North End side, as the Lilywhites sent a message of intent to the rest of League One, by recording a dominant 4-1 victory over early promotion candidates Swindon Town.