Emil Riis said it was a nice confidence boost ahead of the new campaign to open his pre-season account against Accrington Stanley.
The Danish striker netted the only goal of the game at the Wham Stadium on Saturday afternoon as Preston North End claimed a 1-0 victory.
Having finished last season with 21 goals in all competitions, he undoubtedly will go into the new campaign feeling good, and his match-winner against League One side Accrington Stanley will certainly do him no harm.
Emil told iFollow PNE: “Obviously it’s always nice to score goals, so to get it today and get some confidence in you before the season starts is great.
“We had a lot of chances especially in the first half. I think we could have got a few more goals.
“We created a few chances and I’m pretty sure when the season starts it will be hitting the back of the net.”
One of those chances fell to the 24-year-old himself, when he was found just more than six yards out by Robbie Brady, but his touch fell just wide.
Brady, who signed a one-year deal with the club earlier this month, was heavily involved during the 66 minutes he played, and Emil has been impressed with what he has seen so far from the experienced wing back.
“He put a great ball in for me,” he said. “I missed right in front of goal.
“I’ve been watching him in training and I knew he was going to put that ball in.
“It’s still early on but he’s done some great crosses and he’s going to be good for us I’m sure.”
PNE fans were also pleased with what they saw of their new man, and there was more than 1,000 of them inside the stadium, which equated for more than 50% of the attendance.
With over 11,500 supporters signed up for the new campaign at Deepdale, and an allocation of 4,700 having been received for the opening day against Wigan Athletic, Emil is sure the fans can’t wait for the season to start.
“It’s definitely great to see them all here,” he added. “They must be looking forward to the season as well.
“We always enjoy their support, and I’m happy we could give them the win today.”