Manager Simon Grayson was happy with his side's all round performance in the 2-1 win over Motherwell.
As the squad stepped up their preparations for the Championship, they were given a good test against a strong Motherwell side and the PNE boss was happy with the way his side handled the tie.
"It's exactly the test we wanted, and it's the reason we came up here against a good team who are ready to start their season next weekend.
"It was a good opportunity for us to test the players with a bit more fitness into their legs, it allowed us to vary the personnel, and an opportunity to play different systems at times.
"First half we were very comfortable, we got two very good goals, played some good stuff.
"Second half was a good test for us and that's what we've needed. It's been nice for the goalkeeper and the back four to have not had too much to do over pre-season so far.
"But tonight when they were called upon, they made some good blocks, they had to defend against some good players, Jamie Jones made some good saves as well when he was called upon.
"Unfortunately we just couldn't keep a cleansheet which we had managed to do so far.
"Overall it's another pleasing workout for us. It's nice to get goals, nice to see some good fluent play at times and also defending well when we needed to."
You can hear more from Simon Grayson, and you can also hear from goalscorer on the night Neil Kilkenny on PNE PlayerHD on Saturday morning.