Manager Simon Grayson spoke to PNE Player after his side made it three wins in a row at Steve Cotterill’s Bristol City.
And the North End gaffer admitted that it was in the stars that Greg Cunningham would mark his return to Ashton Gate with the winning goal.
“It is fantastic for Greg, because ever since he has been at the Club he has been very good for us and been very consistent,” said the PNE chief. “He was good again today, didn’t let us down and overall the team showed a huge amount of spirit and character.
“In the first half we were comfortable and they never really threatened on Sam’s goal. We felt we could have passed it a bit better and threatened them a little bit more, but we were the away team and ultimately it was a great result for everyone connected with the Club, including the travelling supporters who have come down here tonight.
“There has been plenty of banter between Greg and I over the past few months. He didn’t even look like scoring in training, let alone in a match, so when it went in the lads were buzzing for him, because he’s a very popular member of the dressing room and we are all delighted for him today.”
The two goals came from excellent deliveries by Paul Gallagher, the second a wonderfully prepared set piece: “You know what you are going to get from Gally,” continued Grayson. “We played him a little bit further forward today, which allowed Ben to sit in around Freeman – and I thought he had a very solid debut, coming into the team hardly knowing anyone, but Gally picked people out and the set piece was something we have worked on at the training ground and the script was written.
“We do work on the training ground sometimes! We try and put things together and this is something we have tried before, but you have to rotate things because people watch you, but overall it was well worked.
“The commitment from the players was excellent. Sam had to make some saves in the second half when he was called upon and the only disappointment for me was that they scored so soon after we scored. We were a bit loose and allowed Flint and then Wilbraham to get free, but we showed a huge amount of mental strength and character to dig another result out.”
You can watch the full interview with the manager and also here from match-winner Cunningham by logging into PNE Player now – click here to watch the videos.