Preston North End manager Alex Neil delighted with derby win against Blackburn

Preston North End boss Alex Neil was delighted with his side's 'aggressive' performance in the victory over Blackburn Rovers at Deepdale.
Alan Browne volleys Preston's fourth goal against BlackburnAlan Browne volleys Preston's fourth goal against Blackburn
Alan Browne volleys Preston's fourth goal against Blackburn

Neil enjoyed how North End pushed forward in search of further goals after Rovers had scored early in the second half to make it 2-1.

The Lilywhites had stormed into a 2-0 lead inside the opening 10 minutes with goals from Tom Barkhuizen and Callum Robinson.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Danny Graham headed Rovers back into the game after coming on as a half-time substitute but North End regained their composure and went on to score twice more through Louis Moult and Alan Browne.

Alan Browne volleys Preston's fourth goal against BlackburnAlan Browne volleys Preston's fourth goal against Blackburn
Alan Browne volleys Preston's fourth goal against Blackburn

Neil said: "I thought it was a good performance.

"We started the game great, scored two really good goals and then after that we protected what we had for a while, tried to hit them on the counter.

"I didn't think we played away from pressure as well as we might have done at 2-0 but we got through to half-time.

"The second half I thought we actually started quite well but then Blackburn got their goal.

Ben Pearson rides a challenge in Preston's win over BlackburnBen Pearson rides a challenge in Preston's win over Blackburn
Ben Pearson rides a challenge in Preston's win over Blackburn
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"At that stage I was thinking do we go for it or do we sit back and try and see the game out?

"We were really aggressive, we went after the game and deserved the win.

"We had the better chances, in the second half we could have scored more.

"We managed to win the game against our local rivals by a good scoreline and the lads played really well for large parts of the match, that was pleasing.

"The most pleasing part of the game was how we reacted after Blackburn scored.

"We really took the game to them rather than be happy with what we had."