Ryan Lowe praised his side’s reaction to going a goal down against Bristol City to earn a late point which he was “very happy” with.
The hosts got themselves ahead on the opening day of the Sky Bet Championship campaign just a couple of minutes into the second half, but from that point it was all PNE.
North End created a host of opportunities, including one which saw skipper Alan Browne volley a strike against the post, before summer signing Will Keane popped up in the 86th minute to draw his new side level.
Ryan said: “It is a point we’re very happy with. I think last year we got done by a sucker punch here, a late winning goal from Bristol City, but I thought the lads were fantastic from start to finish [today].
“They did everything we asked in the gameplan all week building up to it – the out of possession and the in-possession stuff.
“They were fantastic and it would have been disappointing not coming away with a point let alone three points because I thought we had a great shout for a penalty and Browney’s chance that hit the post.
“To show the reaction after they scored and we'd gone a goal down [was fantastic] and I must say the fans played a big part in that by rallying them on.”
It was looking like an afternoon where PNE were to leave frustrated after passing up a few presentable chances, which fell to the likes of Brad Potts and Mads Frøkjær.
The side in yellow were also disappointed not to be awarded a penalty in the second half when a close-range Keane strike was blocked by the hands of defender Zak Vyner, however the striker was to get his goal four minutes from time.
Ryan said: “I can’t comment too much on that [penalty shout] but it’s a fantastic finish. When he gets in those positions he’s nice and calm and composed.
“I’d have liked him to get a bit more service and he hopefully will do in the coming weeks.
“But to score your first goal in the opening Championship game of the season at a new club is obviously pleasing for me as the manager and for the player as well.”
The gaffer watched on from the stands and, after seeing a quiet first half with very little goalmouth action, his side were urged to be more positive in the second 45.
“I said to the lads at half-time to go out and be brave, play more forward passes, and run forward a bit more, but they scored in a few seconds in the second half which was a bit of a killer.
“But for the lads to show the character and desire to get right back into it; they weren’t sulking, they weren’t moaning about it.
“We just got on with it, we got the ball forward and we caused some carnage and that’s what we wanted to do.”