Jordan Hugill believed North End’s fighting spirit saw them over the line at the Macron stadium.
The Lilywhites came from behind to secure a first win over Bolton in 23 years - Hugill kick-started the comeback by equalising just on 58 minutes, before the Lilywhites grabbed the winner with four minutes from time.
Hugill’s goal, epitomised North End’s performance, with the imposing striker putting his head on the line to nod the ball past Paul Rachubka and into the goal.
On his first league goal of the season, he said: “I seen a boot coming so I just thought I had to get my header in there. I was half way down there because I got clipped by his foot, so everybody started claiming a penalty, but I got up, ran it off and scored.
“It was a brilliant day - the gaffer’s brought me in and I’ve scored the goal which is brilliant for me.
“I was unlucky in the first 20 seconds of the game with that header which hit the bar. It was a scrappy first half, and we stood off them a bit too much, and the gaffer said that at half-time.
“He said we needed to be tighter and I feel as though we was in the second half. We changed the formation around and it paid off.
“We always knew they were going to be at it as they’re fighting for their lives but we just had to play our own game. First half it didn’t work, but second half we were much better, and I think we deserved the three points with the way we played in the second 45.
“You saw what happened when we changed the formation and got at them, and we got the two goals."
Hugill’s header was right in front of 4,500 Preston fans dressed in bowler hats and suits, and the striker believed the support of the Gentry also aided the cause this afternoon.
“When you bring 4,500 fans it makes a massive difference - they’ll obviously have a great day out with the win, and they’ve got bragging rights around here now. I managed to get a bowler hat at full-time which I’m made up about!”
Hugill’s fellow goalscorer this afternoon is still undecided, with both Marnick Vermijl and Eoin Doyle both claiming the winner today, yet Hugill is staying loyal towards the striking department.
“I’m sticking with the striker’s union and saying Eoin as it looked like he back-heeled it on the way in, but I’m sure Marnick will say differently.”
To hear from Doyle and Marnickas they argue who scored the winner, head to PNE Player here.