Manager Simon Grayson spoke to PNE PlayerHD after his side put in a convincing performance to sweep aside Cardiff City at Deepdale.
The Lilywhites boss was delighted for the his staff, players and the fans after goals from skipper Tom Clarke, Callum Robinson and Jordan Hugill put Paul Trollope’s Bluebirds to the sword on a stormy night under the floodlights in PR1.
The, at times, torrential rain, thunder and lightning did not affect the home side as they created more than 20 chances for the second home game in a row and made them count, going 2-0 up before the interval and then adding the icing to a winning cake with Hugill’s 25 yard stunner in the closing stages.
And afterwards the gaffer spoke to the club’s online TV channel and said that he had asked for the positive second half display from the weekend to be carried forward into the clash with the side from South Wales.
“We mentioned to the players on Monday and again before the game tonight, how well we played in the second half on Saturday and that we needed to start the game positively and ask questions of opposition and we did that,” he said.
“In the first few minutes we had shots cleared off the line, some blocks, but we also had people running off the ball, getting into the box trying to take the game to the opposition and ultimately we are delighted with the outcome of the game.
“It has been coming. We have said that we have been pleased with how we have been playing. We have set our standards now and we want to keep it going.
“You are never fully convinced what is round the corner, but you have to be confident. Callum Robinson got in a good chance to shoot and decided not to and then got blocked when he checked back, but we are encouraging players to trust their ability. Whether they miss the target or not they won’t get any stick from me; they will be encouraged and Callum and Aiden McGeady were running at the opposition tonight, plus the full backs stepped in.
“There were some real positives tonight; excellent individual performances, but all within the framework of the team – the effort and the collectiveness of the group was there for everyone to see tonight.”
Hugill’s flick on helped set up the second and the whole-hearted No.25 then stole the show with the stunning third and the manager felt it was no more than he deserved.
“Jordan worked extremely hard for the team. You know what you are going to get from him. He is still young and still raw and he has had to wait patiently for an opportunity, but he never lets you down.
“On Saturday he affected the game, hence why he started tonight, and he is doing the basics well and when he sees a goal like that go in, it’s what his performance deserves and warranted,” he added.
For much more from Simon and to watch an interview with Hugill just click here and log into PNE PlayerHD now, where you will also be able to watch extended highlights of the game from Wednesday afternoon.
The, at times, torrential rain, thunder and lightning did not affect the home side as they created more than 20 chances for the second home game in a row and made them count, going 2-0 up before the interval and then adding the icing to a winning cake with Hugill’s 25 yard stunner in the closing stages.
And afterwards the gaffer spoke to the club’s online TV channel and said that he had asked for the positive second half display from the weekend to be carried forward into the clash with the side from South Wales.
“We mentioned to the players on Monday and again before the game tonight, how well we played in the second half on Saturday and that we needed to start the game positively and ask questions of opposition and we did that,” he said.
“In the first few minutes we had shots cleared off the line, some blocks, but we also had people running off the ball, getting into the box trying to take the game to the opposition and ultimately we are delighted with the outcome of the game.
“It has been coming. We have said that we have been pleased with how we have been playing. We have set our standards now and we want to keep it going.
“You are never fully convinced what is round the corner, but you have to be confident. Callum Robinson got in a good chance to shoot and decided not to and then got blocked when he checked back, but we are encouraging players to trust their ability. Whether they miss the target or not they won’t get any stick from me; they will be encouraged and Callum and Aiden McGeady were running at the opposition tonight, plus the full backs stepped in.
“There were some real positives tonight; excellent individual performances, but all within the framework of the team – the effort and the collectiveness of the group was there for everyone to see tonight.”
Hugill’s flick on helped set up the second and the whole-hearted No.25 then stole the show with the stunning third and the manager felt it was no more than he deserved.
“Jordan worked extremely hard for the team. You know what you are going to get from him. He is still young and still raw and he has had to wait patiently for an opportunity, but he never lets you down.
“On Saturday he affected the game, hence why he started tonight, and he is doing the basics well and when he sees a goal like that go in, it’s what his performance deserves and warranted,” he added.
For much more from Simon and to watch an interview with Hugill just click here and log into PNE PlayerHD now, where you will also be able to watch extended highlights of the game from Wednesday afternoon.