Alex Neil salutes Preston North End's performance in the victory over Blackburn Rovers

All the goals in the 2-1 win came in the first half, Greg Cunningham and Liam Lindsay giving PNE a two-goal lead before Adam Armstrong pulled one back for the hosts from the penalty spot.

North End defended well in the second half and while Blackburn had the greater share of possession, there were few anxious moments for Neil's men.

It was the 100th league meeting between the Lancashire neighbours and Neil said: "I thought the first half in particular was excellent, our shape was great, we worked the ball really well and our defensive lads were great.

"We always looked a threat, we got two good goals.

"I think the biggest disappointment was that we scored the second goal right on half-time and really we wanted to go in at 2-0.

"The penalty, I'm not sure it is a penalty. It was a 50/50 one if I'm being honest but equally I thought we had a 50/50 one with Ched Evans in the other box.

"We didn't get the decision and it went against us.

"In the second half we had to dig in, be resilient, we had to defend well.

"The most important thing is that we won the game. That is another local derby in which we have managed to chalk up a win so I'm really pleased."

Blackburn gave Bradley Dack only his second start since his recovery from a serious knee injury.

Asked whether any of PNE's preparation had focused on the attacking midfielder, Neil said: "To be honest, we didn't really talk about Bradley Dack.

"That wasn't really a focal point of our discussion.

"It was basically about us surrounding them, not letting them dominate central areas, make sure we jumped to the sides in terms of pressing the ball, make them go long because we fancied ourselves in aerial battles.

"Then in transition we had two centre forwards up top and I thought that worked really well in spells, especially in the first half."

Neil was pleased with the performance of Ched Evans, the striker given Sky's man of the match award.

Evans played up front with Tom Barkhuizen in a 3-5-2 system and did a fine job.

"I think last week against Rotherham he was excellent and man of the match in that game," said Neil.

"Tonight when you have got a proper focal point, when you have got someone who leads the line, takes it in, bashes people up and looks after the ball, it is vitally important.

"I thought he merited the man of the match award.

"It was great to see Greg Cunningham score too, it was a great goal.

"Greg is technically very good. He is a left-back so how often he gets in that position, I'm not sure.

"Technically I've no doubts about him whatsoever and it was a fantastic finish so I'm really pleased for him."

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