Andy Boyle was pleased to get some game time as PNE played Bury in a behind closed doors game at their Carrington Training Facility on Tuesday.
A single goal from Stevie May early in the first half was enough to separate the two teams and Boyle was happy to pull on the North End shirt and be able to show the management team what he can do.
The behind closed doors games are crucial to help squad players maintain their match fitness so that they are ready for the first team when called upon.
January signing Andy Boyle played the full 90 minutes and was glad to get a decent run out in a PNE shirt for the first time.
On the game, Boyle said: “It’s been a while since my last game so it was nice to get out and get a few minutes and it was a nice victory for us in the end.”
The game was played at a frantic pace, with both clubs certainly testing the fitness levels of those involved.
Boyle was impressed with the attitude of both teams towards the game and feels that the players who took part in the game will feel the benefit in the coming weeks.
“You can do all the training you want but I think that bit of match sharpness will help and hopefully we can push on now.
“Sometimes with reserve games, there’s not much of a tempo but I think there was a good attitude from both sets of teams. We went out and tried to get the most out of that game.
“A lot of us probably needed the game time, training can only take you so far. When you get out on the pitch and get your time, it all bodes well for you.”
The 25-year-old defender was in the matchday squad for the first time last weekend against Aston Villa as the Lilywhites came from behind to draw 2-2 thanks to two Jordan Hugill goals.
“It was nice to be a part of it at the weekend. It was a good result for us in the end, a good point at a difficult venue.”
He is not content with sitting on the side lines but admits that it is a tough ask to displace any of the current defenders from the team.
“My own personal aims are that I have to try and break into the team, it’s difficult at the moment because the lads are doing so well.
“But it’s something that I’m aiming towards doing and hopefully I can do that in the future.”
“I’ve been here three or four weeks now and every day I’m getting better and feeling better in training.
“I think the next step is trying to get into the match day team and see where it goes from there."