Preston's Chris Maxwell hopes promising start to Championship season goes on at Derby

Chris Maxwell is hoping Preston North End can continue their promising start to the season at Derby having stuttered out of the blocks 12 months ago.
Chris Maxwell clings onto the ball under pressure at Elland Road.Chris Maxwell clings onto the ball under pressure at Elland Road.
Chris Maxwell clings onto the ball under pressure at Elland Road.

The Lilywhites have kicked off the new Championship campaign with a 1-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday and a 0-0 draw at Leeds.

The latter saw Alex Neil’s side control long periods of the game at Elland Road before Ben Pearson’s red card on the hour meant they had to battle for a point.

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MORE: Chris Maxwell hails influence of Alan Kelly after starring in Leeds drawHaving lost six of the first eight league games in 2016-17, North End will look to make it a hat-trick of good performances this time around at Pride Park on Tuesday night.

"It is good to have got some points early on,” said Maxwell.

“Last season we didn't start well and had a bit of a mountain to climb after the first six or seven games or whatever it was.

"Luckily we came through that and we did really well for the majority of the season.

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"What was missing was the first six games and the last six games when we didn’t do so well.

"Early on in the season you want to get off a flier and we have done that.

"The bookies seem to tell us it is two of the favourites to get promoted who we have got points off.

"We are not getting carried away with ourselves though.”

Two clean sheets, Maxwell particularly impressive late on at Leeds, have helped the cause no end.

“I’m delighted,” said the former Fleetwood man.

“That’s at the back of your mind sometimes.

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“You want the team to win and play well and I’d be rather we won 6-5 than it was 0-0 every week, excluding Saturday of course.

“It’s a nice accolade to have though, it’s a nice reflection on the group and hopefully there’s more to come.”

The opening two games have also seen Preston adapt to life under new boss Neil smoothly.

"The manager has been top-class, fantastic,” said Maxwell.

"His work ethic rubs off on the players,. he leaves no stone unturned.

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"It is brilliant that all the boys are taking it on board and enjoying it.

"It is good times at the moment and we feel it is like two victories all things considered.”