Will Hayhurst insists that North End deserved to advance in the Capital One Cup after beating local rivals Blackpool on an incredible night at Deepdale.
Tom Clarke popped up to nod the Lilywhites into the second round with only two minutes remaining, to send the PNE faithful into delirium as they sunk there Championship rivals in front of the live Sky cameras.
And Preston-born winger Hayhurst, knows more than most just how good a feeling that is.
Speaking exclusively to PNE.Com at full-time, the No.24 and North End fan said: “I thought we battled hard, we came into the game towards the end and I thought we deserved to win it.
“Blackpool are a Championship side, it is always going to be a tough game a derby and I think we were up for it more and wanted it more and I thought the fans gave us a great lift as well.
“The derby with Blackpool is a massive game for me personally and obviously for the players, the Club and the fans.
“I was delighted to get the nod to start and I thought it was a great game and a great atmosphere and it just meant so much to everyone.
“It was huge to beat our rivals, obviously I have got friends and family who support Preston and it’s a great feeling.
“All the players and fans were magnificent tonight and I was delighted to be a part of it.
“The fans were unbelievable and never stopped all night and you see how much it means to everyone.
Tonight marked Hayhurst’s first start of the season after impressing from the bench against Wolves on Saturday and he is hoping to keep his place as the team look to build on a promising start to the 2013/14 campaign.
The winger continued: “It has been a tough pre-season and hopefully I can keep playing and stay in the team, that’s what I want to do and I really enjoyed it.
“It is a great thing to show that we can beat Championship teams and we did well on Saturday and hopefully we can take this into the next game and further on.
“I think we have got a great chance this year and a great squad and hopefully we can keep playing well and getting the results.”