Joe Garner admits that his stunning volley, which shattered Leyton Orient’s undefeated home record, was one of the best goals of his career.
The Lilywhites, or the Yellows as they were known on Saturday afternoon, became the first team this season to leave the Matchroom Stadium with maximum points in the league following a terrific display against table topping Orient.
And Garner’s fourth goal in three matches was up there with the best of his career according to the striker in his post-match interview with PNE.Com.
“I imagine that is one of the better goals I have scored in my time,” stated the North End No.14.
“To be honest, it happened that quick that I can’t really remember what happened, but it is definitely one of my better goals.
“I just saw Keith Keane get it out wide and I tried to get ahead of my marker and he put a great ball in and luckily I got my foot on it and it hit the back of the net.”
But despite being the match winner and hero of the afternoon, Garner was more concerned with the vital three points North End picked up on road once more.
He continued: “Strikers are always judged on their goals, but it is more about the three points and that is what we have done today.
“We will now prepare for Saturday and hopefully we will pick up another three points.”
With over 1,100 Preston fans making the journey to the nation’s capital, the players showed an incredible grit and determination to succeed on Saturday afternoon against an O’s side that had been flying at the summit of Sky Bet League One prior to PNE’s visit.
And Garner was adamant that the performance generated was as much to do with the fans backing as it was to do with anything else.
The self-confessed North End supporter added: “The fans made a big difference and if we can get that support everywhere it will be like taking a twelfth man with us.
“The fans were brilliant today and long may it continue.
“I think they can give you an extra boost, we were under the cosh a little bit in the last 20 minutes and we were digging in and the fans where behind us and I think that definitely gives you an extra little boost.
“Obviously when you are playing the team top of the league away from home it is going to be a tough shift but we put a lot of hard work in and it paid off today.
“I think we were strong at the back and we played really well, we probably could have and should have had a couple of more goals, but they came at us in the last 20 minutes and I thought we were strong and came out with the three points.
“I thought there was a few great tackles, Bailey Wright put one in and Declan Rudd made a great save at the end, but they are both top class players and they will hopefully have very good careers in the game.”