Paul Gallagher believes PNE showed great determination to come from behind to beat Premier League Newcastle United at Deepdale this afternoon.
Jonjo Shelvey put the visitors ahead in the first half but two second half penalties from Gallagher overturned the deficit – with Declan Rudd also saving a Miguel Almiron spot kick.
North End had to battle against both the elements and the opposition today, but Gally thought that tactically, PNE got it spot on.
Speaking to iFollowPNE, he said: “We knew it was going to be difficult, every player on their team is comfortable on the ball, they’re a good passing team.
“They play a formation which is sometimes difficult to play against, I thought tactically we got it spot on. We were tough and resolute to play against and when we got the ball we used it really well.
“We showed some real determination to get back in the game, when you go 1-0 down it can be quite difficult, then they bring fresh players on in the second half.
“I thought we dug in, showed great character and got the goals to come away with the win.
“It got a bit tough with the weather, it was tough on the legs with the rain and the water on the pitch.
“That made us move the ball a lot quicker. In the second half we got a bit more on top of them, got around them, harassed them, won the ball back and we played some good stuff.
“We looked a threat from set plays, even defending in our own box. When you’ve got people like Pat Bauer and Tom Clarke who want to go and attack the ball, it’s about me putting it in a good area.
“All over the pitch we had good leaders, men organising each other.
“We’re going to need that over the season, it’s a long season, so if we can keep everyone healthy, with coming through today in good shape, we’re looking forward to next week.”
In a game centred around set pieces with both Gallagher and Declan Rudd, the midfielder believes he and his teammate showed great character this afternoon.
“He showed great character, he’s probably a little disappointed with their goal, it did move a bit but the standards he sets he probably thinks he should save it,” he said.
“In the second half he was fantastic and even in the first half he didn’t make many mistakes.
“He made some good saves in the second half and his kicking was straight out to Andy Hughes and he was winning a lot of headers to get us up the pitch.
“He can be happy with his contribution today but I think all the lads can be happy.
“We played against a tough team who have got a new manager that they will want to impress but we all fought our corner well and we come away with a good result and a good performance.
“I’ve been fortunate to score a lot of penalties and I’ve missed some before.
“It’s about showing character and leadership to get up and take the next one. I’ve always done that in my career, Seani’s taken penalties and he was chomping at the bit to take one.
“I’ve never had it in my career that I’ve taken two penalties in the same game.
“I try and lead by example, if a penalty comes along I’ll take it and I got two today and fortunately enough I scored both of them so I’m delighted with that.
“Overall, it was just about coming through healthy, getting the minutes in the legs, body, everybody feels fine and we’re ready to go for next week.”
With the focus immediately switching towards the start of the Championship campaign at Millwall, Gally showed his gratitude for what is already looking like a strong backing form the North End faithful.
“The players appreciate that. The more backing we can get, the players thrive on that.
“The players want to entertain, they want to play for the shirt, they want to show that endeavour to go out there and win games.
“When you’ve got that support, the good following backing you, it helps the players massively and we appreciate that.
“If we get success it’s for everyone, not just the players but the supporters as well.
“We want to try and hit the ground running this season, keep everyone fit and a clean disciplinary record and we’ve got as good a chance as anyone.”
You can watch the full interview with Paul Gallagher by clicking on the video above.