Ben Pearson felt North End had to be patient and composed before securing victory in front of a sellout away end at Bolton this afternoon.
Pearson described how North End had to remain calm in the search of that first goal, which eventually came five minutes before the half-time whistle through Alan Browne.
“We struggled to get that opening goal early on” said Pearson post-match.
“We looked aggressive in the opening 20 minutes as we looked to kill the game off early. We probably had a 20 minute spell near the end when we gave a few slack passes away and they went two up front and threw caution to the wind.
“Teams like this who turn the ball a lot and pass the ball means you can’t really press them, so we had to be patient and believe that the chance will come.
“Passages of play in that second half were very good and we’ve been doing that in the last couple of games. With players back now and having that consistent team selection we’ve managed to gel. Everybody was on good form and we’ve just got to keep this run going.”
Pearson put in another outstanding display at the heart of the North End midfield today - a running theme since his return from that four match suspension during the New Year.
When prompted regarding his own form after the game, Pearson admitted he was pleased with how it’s going collectively and individually so far and is looking for the momentum to continue heading into Wednesday’s clash against promotion chasing Norwich City.
“Over the past three or four games I think I’ve played well” assessed the North End midfielder. “I still think I can do better in patches; there was a ten minute passage where I was a little bit sluggish and maybe gave a couple of passes away which is maybe why I got cramp at the end.
“I’ve been happier with how I’ve been playing and it’s always easier when the team are winning.
On his role in the side, Pearson continued: “As long as I do my job, it makes it easier for the more creative lads in the team.
"I think Gally was really good at what he did today. A lot of the tackling and aggression came towards me which allowed Gally the freedom to do what he does best which is what we wanted. I always find that their No. ten sticks on to me so it’s perfect with how we’re playing with Gally dropping in which allows him space.
“Norwich will be a tough game on Wednesday. They’ve been flying and been playing good football but if we play like we did today then we’ve got a chance. The starting XI at the minute is stronger than a lot of teams in the division when we’re on form so we don’t fear anybody and if we perform like we did today, we can beat anyone.”