Ryan Lowe felt his side were fantastic from start to finish in their 3-0 away victory over Coventry City.
PNE arrived in the West Midlands to face a side who had lost just twice in their previous 21 outings, but within a minute were in front thanks to Emil Riis’ fourth goal in as many games.
He then turned provider for Will Keane, before defender Bobby Thomas scored an own goal, which sent North End into the second half with a comfortable margin which they saw out superbly.
Ryan said: “The lads were fantastic from start to finish; brilliant. They were on the front foot and aggressive in everything they did.
“I’m seeing a team that’s got a little bit of fire in their belly and loads of belief that they can win anywhere, and that showed tonight.
“We had a few days off last week with the three games and then we had three days build-up to this game and the lads were really set on what we were doing.
“They went through the patterns of play on Wednesday and Thursday superbly well, and this morning they were in great spirits and I just felt – I know it’s easy for me to say that now at 3-0 – but you know when you just feel a nice calmness and fire in their belly and cool heads?
“What a performance. 3-0 here at Coventry is a fantastic performance and a fantastic three points. Not many teams will come here and do that.”
North End couldn’t have started the game much quicker if they tried, with Riis getting his team going inside the first minute.
His goal came from a set piece which coach Peter Murphy and the manager had worked on during the week, and that was only the start of what would be a dominant display.
Ryan said: “It's a great start isn’t it? It gives you a good platform. Obviously they were on the ascendency trying to get one back in terms of pushing and then we counter pressed and Emil slides Keano in.
“I don’t know how he’s scored but he’s scored! Then another one to see it off 3-0 before the half is massively pleasing.
“I didn’t say too much to the boys at half-time, just more of the same. To be on the front foot and aggressive in everything you’re doing. Don’t pass the ball back too much because you’ll give them opportunities to press us, and play in their half more and have a nice calmness and composure.
“I think they did everything they were asked to do in the first half and second half. Credit where credit’s due to the boys, they were fantastic.”
All three of the goals scored were right in front of the near-thousand travelling fans, who were in fine voice all evening.
The gaffer said: “They were excellent and they were excellent at the end showing their appreciation to the players and so they should because they’ve run through brick walls for them.
“We’ve been showing appreciation to them. I said it in my press before this game that they’ve been fantastic.
“There was around 1,000 of them and I think it was going to be 2,000 of them before it got moved.
“I hope the rest of the fans are really proud of their team; they should be. It’s always pleasing when you can send the fans home happy. That’s what we’re here for, to send them home happy.”