After a difficult run of form, manager Alex Neil was delighted to get back to winning ways this afternoon and put right the wrongs of the last four games.
A brace each for Callum Robinson and Lukas Nmecha gave North End an emphatic 4-0 victory over Paul Lambert’s Ipswich Town, and the manager was pleased with how his side have bounced back from recent games.
“We went through a real tough week last week playing some of the best teams in the league” said Alex after the full-time whistle.
“We weren’t at full strength in both of them games and we all know the bits and pieces with the West Brom game.
“I don’t think we did ourselves justice so we needed to go in front of the home fans and put it right this afternoon.
“I’m really pleased I got a good reception from the fans today so I was delighted with that and really pleased with the lads who delivered on the pitch and that’s the standards we need to set ourselves.
“We scored four goals and we’ve done that five times this season which is excellent so I’m really pleased with how it’s gone today.
“Fans come here to see goals getting scored. We scored four and we had numerous opportunities as well to make it more so I think after the last difficult week, I’m delighted that the lads have managed to put in a performance like that today for the club because we want to finish the season strongly and prepare for next year.”
Heading into the final three games of the season, North End will be buoyed by the goalscoring form of both Nmecha and Robinson after today, and Alex noted the quality of both players this afternoon.
On Robinson, Alex added: “He’s involved in all four goals but his two goals in particular – not every player can do that and that’s what makes him a special player and it’s good to see he’s looking back to his best again.
“It’s been a great year for Lukas in terms of learning, in particular off the pitch as well as on it. We’ve put him wide just to get him use to the league, getting tucked in and natural movements in a team but he will be a No. 9 and I’m really pleased with how he got his goals today as strikers feed off of them, and you can see how eager he is to get his goals. That will be a big weight off his back and he’ll be pleased with today.”
The gaffer also reserved special praise for Joe Rafferty who made his first start for the club since his January switch from Rochdale.
“He looked like an experienced player who knew his role and knew when to tuck in and when not to. His use of the ball was excellent and you can’t ask for much more - four goals and a clean sheet so I’m sure Joe will be delighted.”
Watch Alex's full interview on iFollowPNE now.