Preston midfielder Brad Potts delighted to be off the mark early in the season

Preston North End midfielder Brad Potts was pleased to get on the scoresheet in the early weeks of the campaign after such a long wait last season.
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The Lilywhites signed off for the international break with that stunning 4-2 comeback victory at Brentford, Potts on target with the third goal.

It was a clever finish from the 26-year-old who was in the side in London due to Tom Barkhuizen’s suspension.

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In 2019/20, Potts didn’t get off the mark until July following the restart.

Brad Potts celebrates scoring for Preston North End against Brentford before the international breakBrad Potts celebrates scoring for Preston North End against Brentford before the international break
Brad Potts celebrates scoring for Preston North End against Brentford before the international break

He got another goal later that month and knows a few more are needed of him.

“It took me ages last season to get a goal, so I was really happy to score at Brentford,” Potts told the Lancashire Post.

“I’m an attacking midfielder so my job is get goals and assists when I’m in the team.

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“If I get my chance in the team I have to take it and provide an attacking threat.

North End midfielder Brad PottsNorth End midfielder Brad Potts
North End midfielder Brad Potts

“My finish at Brentford was one I was pleased with and on the day it put us into the lead.

“The keeper thought I was going to go across him into the far corner but I did him at the near post.

“He just wasn’t expecting my shot to go where it did and he didn’t move did he?

“It was great to win in the manner we did.

Brad Potts scores against Birmingham at the end of last seasonBrad Potts scores against Birmingham at the end of last season
Brad Potts scores against Birmingham at the end of last season
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“Being 2-0 behind at half-time was unjust I thought because we hadn’t played too badly in the first half.

“Brentford scored both of their clear-cut chances and that left us with a lot of work to do.

“We knew that if we scored the next goal to make it 2-1 we were right back in the game.

“That happened and from there we went from strength to strength.

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“Four goals in 18 minutes or whatever it was, really was some going. We didn’t stop pushing forward after the fourth goal, we had two or three chances after that.”

Potts’ one regret which he carries from that game in West London, is the fact no one was in the ground to see it happen live.

“Just think what the away end would have been like had we scored four goals in front them,” said Potts.

“It would have been mayhem in there with lots of fans going wild.

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“We need the fans back as soon as possible, not to have them in the ground is really tough.

“As footballers, we play to try to entertain and win but at the moment the only way fans can see us is by watching on television.”

After their Sunday win at Brentford two weekends ago, it is another game on the Sabbath for North End this time as they take on Cardiff City at Deepdale.

It’s a noon start in front of the Sky cameras and hopefully the clash with the Bluebirds can see them kick-start their home form. All their points have been gathered on the road this season, with nothing to show in PR1.

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Potts said: “Cardiff are a big physical side and we know what they are about.

“It will probably be a different to the Brentford game in that Brentford liked to bring the ball out from the back.

“Cardiff have got big Kieffer Moore up front who was a team-mate of mine at Barnsley.

“They will be looking to find him and play off him, so we will have to be ready for that.”

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North End’s build-up to Cardiff’s visit has been done at their new Euxton training ground this week.

The move certainly suits Potts in that he can now set his alarm clock a few minutes later in the morning.

“I only live round the corner so it’s a great place for us to train,” said Potts.

“Now I can get an extra half hour or so in bed before driving in. If I’m ever late I think I would deserve a double fine with living so close!

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“Euxton is certainly the best training ground I’ve had since turning pro.

“I started at Newcastle in the academy and that set-up was superb but as a first-team player I’ve been at Carlisle, Blackpool, Barnsley and now Preston.

“Springfields was good, we liked it there, but the new place at Euxton is another level.”