McGeady thinks Barnsley point is step in right direction for PNE

Simon Grayson’s side had to settle for a hard-earned point in the 0-0 draw but were much improved from the 2-0 defeat at Cardiff last time out.

North End had struggled to get out of the blocks in recent weeks but were at it from the off in this competitive clash between Championship play-off rivals.

“We didn’t get the three points but we didn’t lose and it’s another point,” said the winger.

“Obviously after the result against Cardiff on Tuesday I think we needed a positive performance and we got that.

“The manager said we had to start the game the way we had been doing before the last two or three.

“We needed to start well and get out of this little rut.

“Against Ipswich we didn’t start well, Cardiff was the same, on Saturday we did and I think overall the manager was pretty pleased.”

Jordan Hugill saw a first-half penalty appeal waved away and a late header saved but it was a game where clear-cut chances were few and far between.

“It was probably a fair result,” said McGeady.

“There wasn’t much in the game. It was scrappy, the pitch probably wasn’t conducive to the way we try and play and you get games like that in the Championship.

“There were tackles flying in and it was a bit of a battle to be honest.

“There weren’t many chances and it (the result) was about right.”

Off the ball there were signs that the pressing play that impressed against Brighton and Arsenal was back.

“Without being disrespectful to Barnsley I think we went there thinking we should win,” said McGeady.

“We were at it but Barnsley were as well.

“You know what you’re going to get from them.

“They’re a hard-working team, they don’t give you much time on the ball.

“We didn’t play that badly even if we didn’t play the way that we can but we’ve come away with a point.

“We probably at times played better against Cardiff with the ball but went down to a 2-0 defeat.

“We can be fairly happy.”