Counter-attack’s best form of defence says Preston North End’s Brad Potts

Brad Potts felt Preston played to their strengths as they put Huddersfield Town to the sword to run out 3-0 winners at Deepdale on Saturday.
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North End’s No.44 scored the opening goal of the game, knocking in the rebound after Scott Sinclair went through and saw his shot saved.

Potts then turned provider as his cross from the left was on a plate for Ched Evans to score, and Sinclair rounded off the scoring following a clinical counter-attack.

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Twenty-six-year-old Potts thinks playing on the counter can get the best out of PNE, with two goals scored from quick moves.

Brad Potts salutes his goal on SaturdayBrad Potts salutes his goal on Saturday
Brad Potts salutes his goal on Saturday

He said: “It was a good win and I’m happy to contribute an assist. I feel like when you play in that position it’s what you’re in the team for. I’m delighted with that.

“I’ve had a few half-chances lately and I haven’t hit the target so I’d been frustrated with that so I knew today that if I got one, and you hit the target, you’ve got a chance of scoring.

“That’s what it was all about.

“We knew before the game it was one we had to win so we didn’t get dragged into things towards the bottom. We knew it was a massive game. I don’t think it was one of our better performances but it doesn’t matter how you win games.

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“I didn’t think we were great in the first half, we were delighted to go in at 1-0, the gaffer had a few words and then I thought we looked threatening on the counter-attack. That’s when we’re at our best.” 

Potts has spent the last two games in the No.10 role behind the striker and that is no accident. The Cumbrian asked manager Alex Neil for a chance there and he feels it is now up to him to take it.

He said: “I’ve spoken to the gaffer recently and I’ve asked for a run of games in my position where I’m at my best.

“I’ve started the last two games and I know I need to be doing it on the pitch to keep my place in the team.”

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On striker Evans, Potts said:“He’s come in and done really well, he’s a handful up top. You know when the ball goes up to him he’s going to win it so I just gamble.

“I enjoy playing off him. I think everyone knows I prefer to be in the middle rather than on the wing so I’m happy that the gaffer is playing me there at the minute.”