PNE boss Alex Neil: Derby results mean more

Preston North End boss Alex Neil understands that derby results mean more to the fans and is delighted to come out of Friday's Lancashire Derby on the right side.
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Neil has never hidden from the importance of local derbies and also boasts a good record in them over the past few seasons.

Blackburn Rovers won in the first derby of the season, convincingly beating PNE 3-0 at Deepdale but revenge was taken on Friday evening as the Lilywhites won 2-1 at Ewood Park.

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Greg Cunningham and Liam Lindsay bagged for the away side whilst Adam Armstrong converted form 12 yards out to pull a goal back for Rovers.

Alex Neil during PNE's 2-1 win over Blackburn Rovers.Alex Neil during PNE's 2-1 win over Blackburn Rovers.
Alex Neil during PNE's 2-1 win over Blackburn Rovers.

Normally, there would have been 7,000 PNE fans in the away end with a bouncing atmosphere that would have driven the game forward.

Instead the game was played in total silence, the usual fan noise played over the speakers not allowed due to the contest being aired on Sky Sports.

Despite that, Neil felt it was played like a real derby.

He said: "For the fans it will mean more, we came into this game off the back of two poor results, Blackburn have been in good form.

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"This game isn't a normal game, it means more to the fans and naturally we want to win it.

"It doesn't change because we win, lose or draw, it's still the same thing but naturally we're really happy that we won it and we deservedly won it.

"I think our fans now will have the bragging rights going forward until the next time we meet.

"It was a proper game for both teams, not just us. They went around their business wanting to win, it was very competitive.

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"It was a good solid derby and we're just thankful we came out the right side of it.

North End's no.37 was unlikely source for the first goal, even though it did come against his former side, which often seems to be the way.

Cunningham found the back of the net for the first time in three years, his last goal coming in February 2018 in a 2-1 win over Hull City.

The Irishman didn't surprise his manager with his ability to find the far corner, with striker Ched Evans also coming in for praise in the way he led the line.

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Neil said: "Greg is technically very good, he's good with the ball, he can see a pass inside, he can lift it into space, he's good at finishing as well.

"I wasn't overly surprised but it was a great strike but he is very good technically.

"Ched was excellent. A good platform, a proper man.

"You know what you're going to get from him, put the ball up to him, he'll work defenders and you can get around.

"Even tracking back and helping out in the middle of the pitch, I thought he put a good performance in."

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