Four things we learned: A display to silence some of Preston North End’s doubters

Preston got back to winning ways on Saturday as they defeated Huddersfield Town 3-0.
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Brad Potts opened the scoring in the first half before Ched Evans added a second and Scott Sinclair a third. TOM SANDELLS looks at four talking points from the clash at Deepdale.

1. Answering the critics

In more ways than one, PNE answered their critics emphatically on Saturday. Whether that be individually or collectively, fans have certainly been having their say on the recent situation at Deepdale.

North End’s Brad Potts (second left) is mobbed by team-mates as he celebrates scoring the opening goalNorth End’s Brad Potts (second left) is mobbed by team-mates as he celebrates scoring the opening goal
North End’s Brad Potts (second left) is mobbed by team-mates as he celebrates scoring the opening goal
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Specifically, Brad Potts often is seen as a scapegoat amongst certain sections of the fan-base.

But against the Terriers, it was Potts that drove PNE on to win the game – scoring one and assisting another.

He was often a threat going towards goal and but for a bit of luck, perhaps could have more goals.

Another star performer was Ched Evans who is proving to be a key focal point of the Preston attack.

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Another workmanlike display filled with technical quality to boot.

2. The PNE of old

Particularly in the second half, it was very much a throwback performance from the Lilywhites.

Alex Neil’s men were expansive, aggressive and clinical.

The best games to watch PNE are when they play like they did at the weekend.

Their goals were almost trademark moves of Neil’s side at its best, with flowing forward runs and a ruthless streak.

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But they also did the dirty work. They hung on in there in the first half when Huddersfield were playing the better of the two teams but were still trying to create. They took their chance, saw out the half and made it pay.

3. Complete performance

With all that in mind, it was a rather complete display from PNE. In some games you can blow the opposition away and you’re not tested defensively.

PNE were and were more than a match.

They had to hang on in there and show their grit and desire – and did.

But they also made an impression on the game.

The chances were there for PNE to take the game out of reach and they duly delivered.

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They were able to handle everything thrown at them and still show their quality to win the game.

4. Keep it up

North End have been nothing this season if not consistently inconsistent.

They very rarely go on unbeaten runs and it’s generally win or bust.

If they can string a few results together it could ease the agitated mood around the club and ease the pressure.

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It would also dispel any fears of being dragged into a relegation battle.

But in the performance against Huddersfield, they have shown what they 
are capable of, even if there has been an influx of new faces.