Goalscorer Jordan Hugill believed the 7,000 strong Preston following added the gloss to a ‘brilliant day’ for all concerned.
Hugill’s strike on the stroke of half time proved decisive, as North End sealed a 2-1 win over Rovers this afternoon, with Hugill meeting a splendid cross from former Blackburn forward Paul Gallagher to give North End the spoils.
Also on the score sheet was another returning Blackburn player, Joe Garner who had earlier converted a penalty, and Hugill was full of praise for both of the Blackburn Academy products as well as the support on show for the yellow Lilywhites today.
“A lot has to be said for them two,” said Hugill on Gally and Garns to the Club website post match.
“Gally [Paul Gallagher] can find a pass from anywhere and did really well in the centre midfield, he can do what he did for my goal without looking. He was like a quarter back at times and I don’t need to say much else about Garns [Joe Garner] other than he gives you everything.
“The atmosphere behind that goal today was fantastic. I knew we were bringing 7,000 fans and they made it a brilliant day.”
Today’s victory is the third game in a row which Preston have had to come behind to earn something from the game, and the marksman suggested that’s a testament to the mentality of the squad.
“Obviously we don’t want to be chasing games but we know when we go behind, we’ve got the quality to get a goal back and then another one.
“Defensively, we were really good today. They’ve got some big strong strikers who came on in the second half and caused us some problems, but I thought we defended really well and restricted them for most of the game.”
Hugill’s recent form has given North End a new dimension to the side, and with Jermaine Beckford on the verge of the starting XI, along with both Garner and Eoin Doyle amongst the goals lately, Simon Grayson is spoilt for choice up top, yet Hugill is optimistic that both he and North End can end their first season back in the Championship strongly.
“I thrive when I feel like I get a good few games under my belt,” continued the 23-year-old. "I’ve played in the last couple of games and I feel like I’ve not done myself any harm with me scoring two goals. I’m well up for every game, and I think scoring in front of 7,000 fans makes today it a bit more special.
“For me now, it’s to play as many games as I can and get as many goals and help the team to where they want to be come the end of the season. We’re not out of the Play-Offs yet, we can never give up on it until it’s mathematically impossible.”
If you're wanting more reaction to that terrific win against Blackburn this afternoon, head to PNE PlayerHD for exclusive interview with Simon Grayson and Joe Garner here.