Sepp van den Berg was pleased to help the team with a ‘much-needed’ goal as he struck the equaliser in the Lilywhites’ 3-1 comeback win against Swansea City.
Joel Piroe had given the visitors the lead moments before Van den Berg got on the scoresheet midway through the first half, with goals from Emil Riis and Ben Whiteman either side of the break following to give Frankie McAvoy’s side the three points.
The 19-year-old felt PNE were in control for much of the game, particularly after his effort to cancel out Piroe’s opener.
“Overall, I think we did well,” Sepp told iFollow PNE. “We started well to be fair, I think. We should have got a penalty, didn’t get it, and they changed the game and got the goal. We bounced back straightaway from that point since I scored.
“We just kept moving it forward, kept pushing, and then you see we took control of the game after the goal. I think first ten minutes and their goal they were better, but after that we controlled the whole game.
“We said we wanted to keep pushing and try to put them under pressure. The [Swansea] goal – I don’t even remember – to be fair it was quite a good goal, but we didn’t see it coming. After that, we just needed to bounce straight back and we did it. From that moment again, we just controlled the whole game. That goal was much-needed.”
The defender was rightfully pleased to have made it goals in back-to-back games having recently scored at the wrong end with an unfortunate own goal against Huddersfield Town.
“Two goals in a row! It’s another goal, helping the team as well. For me as a wing back, I’m doing well, so keep me there, concede less and score more goals – that’s the goal now.
“The own goals, I’m still disappointed about. But getting two goals in a row is good. Unfortunately, it’s international break otherwise I might have kept it going! Two goals as a defender is very good in my opinion.”
The Dutchman felt North End might have scored more, but ultimately felt after going two goals ahead it was important to see out the game – a goal that was completed heading into the international break, providing the squad with a break that Sepp feels is merited.
“We controlled the whole game all second half. I think we even should score more. Maybe up to the shot or the assist. As soon as you make it 3-1, you know you have to keep it down, keep it settled, and then you see the whole game out.
“Everyone is happy of course now with the international break. The guys get a few days off, which is well deserved. We just need to make sure we get a good rest now and then as soon as we’re back, get training for the next game and keep this going.”
Sepp, however, won’t have so much of a break, having been called up to the Netherlands’ U21s squad for the first time, which he's confident will be a beneficial experience.
“It was a proud moment for me, first time with the U21s, so I’m looking forward to it. It’s one game so hopefully I play that one and then have a good time there, have another good game there and then come back here and keep doing this.
“After the U21s, you have the senior squad. Of course, it’s a great opportunity and experience again. We have the EUROs next year, this year is qualifiers. It’s important for me to play there as well, play for my country, so it’s a proud moment for me.”
Watch more from Sepp on iFollow PNE.