Ryan Lowe felt his Preston North End side were “excellent from start to finish” in the 3-1 victory away to Huddersfield Town.
Alan Browne and Will Keane put the visitors in red into a two-goal lead at half-time, before Danny Ward pulled one back for the Terriers ten minutes into the second period.
The hosts looked to build on that goal and enjoyed a period of pressure, but Ben Whiteman’s strike in the 67th minute put North End back in control and helped to confirm the three points.
Ryan said: “The performance was excellent from start to finish.
“We did ask the group to go and put that performance in and follow the gameplan. They take all the credit because they’ve been fantastic.
“The instructions we gave them last week on Saturday [for the 0-0 draw against Norwich City] were a bit different than what it was today.
“We felt we’d have large parts of the ball today and we had to create some good moments, but when we create them good moments you’ve got to be able to take them and we certainly did.
“From start to finish every single one of them, individually and collectively, were different class.”
PNE, on the back of three defeats and a goalless draw against Norwich City, wasted no time getting at their hosts, with skipper Browne coming close and having a penalty shout even before he opened the scoring in just the third minute.
Once it was two, North End looked comfortable, but they did have to weather a small storm in the second half once that lead was halved.
The manager said: “When you start fast, you can continue that. To get the two goals was pleasing.
“We should have had a penalty early on, I know that, but then to get over that disappointment and go again to be 2-0 up at half-time is a tough scoreline, believe it or not.
“We knew they’d come out and have a real good go and they made changes, but we’re all pleased with the performance. It’s what we wanted. It’s what we needed in terms of three points.
“A point away on Saturday now looks even better than it was because we’ve gone and got three tonight.
“I’m really pleased for the group because they’ve had to work hard to get it and if we keep continuing to work hard we’ll have plenty more of them.”
The North End faithful once again travelled in numbers as around 1,150 fans made the journey to the John Smith’s Stadium.
They were in fine voice all evening long and enjoyed post-match celebrations, sharing a moment with the players and manager after the final whistle.
Ryan said: “Again, as I always say, thank you because it's important that they rally the lads through because you won’t believe how much it helps them.
“When you cheer them on and you’re there for them, singing the songs, it massively helps. There’s a bit of disappointment sometimes when there’s the odd jeer or whatnot. We can’t have that.
“We’ve got to make sure we stick together because we’re all as one. Me, the staff and the players are all trying to do the best for them fans and the football club. Keep sticking with them.
“We’ll have some tough times, we’ll have some good times, but I think we’ll have more good times than tough.”