Tom Bayliss was pleased to play his part in what he described as a ‘brilliant end to the season’ after netting his first goal for the club in the final day victory over Nottingham Forest.
North End’s No.7 converted Scott Sinclair’s cross early in the second half to restore parity before Liam Lindsay completed the turnaround with a bullet header shortly afterwards.
The midfielder, making just his second start for the club in the Championship, was pleased to make an impact after being deployed further forward in the second half.
“I’m happy with today, to get the three points and a goal is really good,” Bayliss told iFollow PNE. “The three points is massive. I think Frankie said after the game, we’ve got 17 points from 24, which is like top, really top sides.
“We’ve gone from having the worst form to the best form. All credit to the lads and the staff, it’s been a brilliant end to the season.
“First half we started quite well I thought and then we were just a bit sloppy on the ball, myself included; everyone wasn’t really good enough on the ball in the first half.
“Then we made a change, we kind of played me and Scotty a bit closer to Ched, which means I’m more advanced on the pitch and that’s where I get my goal. It was better second half, we moved the ball better, we looked after it and we showed Forest what we could do.”
Bayliss netted Sinclair’s cross for the equaliser – the pair combining after being reintroduced to the starting XI – with a finish almost on the goal line.
“It came a bit out of the blue to be fair because the lads have been doing well and Frankie wants the job and I hope he gets the job,” Tom continued, speaking of Frankie’s decision to hand him a start.
“I was surprised but to make changes is brave of him and hopefully me and Scotty repaid that faith in today with the assist and the goal.
“They were arguing in there whether Scotty was shooting or not! I just got any part of my body in to get it over the line. Like I said to the boys, I never really get goals like that, so it was pleasing to get a goal to finish like that at the end of the season.”
On the second goal, in which he also played a key role, the midfielder continued: “I think Al left it and then Ryan set the ball back to me, I’ve hung it up to Ched, Ched’s nodded it back across and Liam’s done the rest.
“Two really good goals and we really deserved the three points and the win.”
Bayliss was also pleased to mark Gentry Day with a win and with the togetherness shown by the team to complete the comeback.
He said rediscovering that team spirit has been key with Frankie McAvoy in interim charge.
“It’s a big day [Gentry Day] and we wore the t-shirts before kick-off. We showed that fighting spirit, the will to win for each other and the staff. It was a brilliant turnaround in the second half.
“I think that’s what Frankie has really brought in and instilled in us; we had to get that togetherness back and everyone is important. People have stepped up at different times, which has been massive for us.”
Watch more from Tom on iFollow PNE.