Preston boss: We knew the first goal may kill the Rams
PRESTON North End’s interim head coach Frankie Mcavoy believes scoring the first goal was the key to their victory over Derby County.
Preston beat the Rams 3-0 at Deepdale on Tuesday night with goals from Ben Whiteman, Ched Evans and Ryan Ledson.
The win lifted them to 52 points, while Derby remain deep in a relegation battle.
Mcavoy and the Preston players were fully aware of the importance of the first goal – not least because Derby’s awful record when falling behind in games.
“I thought we were extremely disciplined, we knew it was a big game,” said Mcavoy.
“People kept telling us it was a cup final for Derby County but, at the same time, it was a massive game for us as well.
“I said to them beforehand that the biggest thing we needed to do was keep our discipline.
“The first goal was going to be crucial in this game.
“We worked on trying to score that first goal by being as positive as we could.
“Derby’s stats were something like 22 games this season they have conceded the first goal and I think they have lost 20 of those and drawn two.
“When we got the first goal Derby had to throw caution to the wind.
“Give them credit, they started the second half well and went 4-2-4 and really pushed us back.
“We weathered the storm for a good 15 minutes of the second half, had that fantastic save from Daniel Iversen and then we gradually got back into the game.
“I was delighted that we got the second goal and then the third goal just put the icing on the cake.”