Academy manager Nick Harrison was delighted to see his side progress into the fourth round of the FA Youth Cup.
The PNE youngsters came out 1-0 winners against tough opposition in Sheffield United on Wednesday night at Deepdale, Melle Meulensteen's early goal the difference in the tie.
It was the first time a number of the players had played at Deepdale, and Harrison was delighted with the work ethic of his squad in what was a hard fought victory.
"We expected a tough game and it certainly was, I thought we rode our luck at times but you have to do that in cup games sometimes to progress through to the next round.
"I was really pleased with the way the boys worked hard and kept going until the final whistle.
"We knew as soon as the early goal went in that they would be at us, that's what they are good at and thought we did well to withstand them for the rest of the game and we deserved to go through." Harrison continued.
"The boys had to put their bodies on the line to win the game and they did that. We got blocks in, Callum [Roberts] has made some great saves and we won some important headers at times.
"We were a little bit sloppy at times and probably put ourselves under a bit too much pressure at times but maybe that was the occassion and I was made up with how hard the players worked for the duration of the game to stop the opposition from scoring.
The U18s were given a boost ahead of kick-off with visits from first team manager Simon Grayson and Academy graduate Bailey Wright, and there were a number of first team players in the stands to support the young side.
Speaking of the support from those at the club, Harrison said: "It's something new for the players, they've had an opportunity in front of the manager, and we had Bailey Wright come in to the changing room before the game which was a massive boost with him being a former Academy player. The gaffer came in to the changing room before the game as well and then afterwards to congratulate the lads and it means a lot.
"Hopefully the players can take a lot from that and take it, not just into then next cup game, but in to every game that they play.
"They've got the support of the club and if they want it, it's there. We are really delighted with tonight."
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