Tom Cannon felt it was important to stay positive after missing an earlier chance, before going on to open the scoring in the 2-0 victory over Cardiff City.
The Everton loanee was denied by goalkeeper Jak Alnwick early in the second half, after a first period of few chances, but he got himself on the scoresheet in the 68th minute after a clever ball from Greg Cunningham.
Chipped into the path of Cannon, the striker took the ball down well before composing himself to break the deadlock.
Speaking to iFollow after the game, Tom said: "If the first chance doesn't go in then I've always got to keep positive and wait for the next chance to come.
"When it does come, just be ready to take it because if you have your head down and you're sulking a bit then when the next chance comes you might not take it.
"We spoke at half-time, me and Greg, and we'd spoken about me making that run and getting across the defender which I did.
"It was a good touch and I obviously tucked it home which is nice."
North End's No.28 was also then involved in the late action of the clash at Deepdale, being "clattered" into – as Tom put it – in stoppage-time, which Alnwick subsequently saw red for.
Ben Whiteman stepped up to take the free-kick and, when his effort was parried by the substitute goalkeeper, Ched Evans was there to finish off the rebound.
The victory extended PNE's unbeaten run to six, ahead of two away fixtures prior to the international break.
Tom said: "That's six unbeaten, you take that all day of the week.
"As long as you're not losing – even draws – but especially wins, every point's crucial in the Championship so the fact we're getting points and we're also winning games is beneficial.
"Both Rotherham and Middlesbrough are tough places to go, but we're back in tomorrow so the lads will dust themselves down and we'll prepare as best as we can for Tuesday and go again Saturday."