Tom Barkhuizen feels that today’s performance had been coming after a frustrating run of results for PNE.
Barkhuizen scored the opening goal in the 4-0 victory over Wigan Athletic, with Paul Gallagher converting from the spot and Callum Robinson bagging a brace.
North End’s No.29 believed the Lilywhites needed today’s performance and was pleased with how his teammates reacted to early pressure.
Speaking to iFollowPNE, he said: “That performance has been coming. It’s been a really frustrating start to the season for everyone in the dressing room, the staff included.
“We really needed a big performance today and thankfully we pulled it off.
“To go up against a team that does start well and hold them off and stamp our authority on the game as we grew into it – it was a big confidence boost for us.
“You could tell as we got more control of the game everyone got a bit more confident. Thankfully we got the goal and went in 1-0 at half time and we kicked on from there.”
To match the performance, the goals scored this afternoon were well crafted. Barkhuizen thought the improvement of decision making had an impact, even though it is still a young forward line.
“We get in a lot of good positions and we maybe choose the wrong option.
“Maybe not me, but we have got some young lads up there. Lukas is 19, Callum is only 23, Browney is only 23, Seani is only just 24 and it’s only his second season at this level.
“It is just about being a bit smarter and thankfully for my goal it was a bit of smart play; Browney’s looked up and seen I’m in a better position.
“The same for Callum’s goal, it’s easy to get to the byline and just flash a ball across, but I’ve pulled it back for DJ and he’s composed himself, like he does, and he’s put it on a plate for Callum and he’s put it away.”
Lukas Nmecha’s performance was singled out by the wideman, praising the young loanee and his attitude.
“It's funny because he’s a little bit frustrated because he didn’t get one himself. That’s just what a striker’s like.
“Seani played about 15 minutes and he’s frustrated he didn’t score. That’s a good mentality to have.
“I said to him after the game if you keep playing like that you’ll get plenty of goals.
“I just think with his all-round performance over the last two games, he’s realised that it is tougher than maybe he thought it was going to be. He’s come in now, he’s working hard and he’s got to grips with how we play and what this league is all about.
“The last two games he’s shown he’s a real threat up front.”
You can watch the full interview with Tom Barkhuizen by clicking on the video above.