Ben Whiteman is looking forward to seeing the PNE fans travel in their numbers to Blackburn on Saturday, after they were made to miss last season’s 2-1 victory at Ewood Park.
North End enjoyed a Friday night under the lights there last term, with Greg Cunningham opening the scoring with a sweet left-footed strike, before Liam Lindsay’s first goal for the club doubled his side’s lead.
Due to Covid-19 restrictions, though, there were no fans in attendance, but the PNE faithful will get the chance to make the journey across Lancashire at the weekend, with the upper tier now on sale.
“I’m really looking forward to it,” Ben told iFollow PNE. “Probably the main disappointment last year was the fans not being there, and the fans weren’t there to see Cunny score.
“I don’t think he’ll strike many balls better than that, but it was obviously disappointing that they weren’t there and hopefully we can go there in our numbers and put on a show.”
PNE come into the game on the back of a positive week, coming home from the Riverside with three points before drawing against league leaders Fulham.
The team have had a free midweek since that point for the first time this season – aside from breaks for players to go away with their countries.
“It’s felt like Saturday/Tuesdays then the international break from the start of the season,” Ben admitted. “But obviously it was a good week overall to beat Middlesbrough and get a positive result against Fulham.
“Especially in the second half against Fulham, I thought we were really good and all focus is on Blackburn.
“They’re a good side. I’ve played against Tony Mowbray sides for a while now and they’re always well drilled, always good on the ball and we’re expecting a tough test, but like I said before hopefully we can go there and get a positive result.”
Ben has featured regularly for the Lilywhites so far this season, starting the last seven league games which he has been available for, more recently playing alongside Ali McCann in midfield.
Ben added: “It’s been very good. Obviously Browney’s been in there as well, as has DJ, as has Leds [Ryan Ledson], we’ve sort of rotated it.
“Ali’s come in and I think he’s been fantastic since he’s walked through the door. His energy, his drive, and long may that continue.
“Hopefully he can start adding some goals as well because he has got everything. I think he’s going to go on to have a top class career.”
Watch Ben's full interview now on iFollow PNE at the top of the page.