Preston midfielder Alan Browne said that he was delighted to add another goal to his collection last night and contribute to an important win for the team.
The Irishman has been a key fixture in Alex Neil’s side this season, with Browne being one of the team’s most consistent performers.
He scored his fourth league goal of the season last night to help Preston towards a crucial 2-1 win over Bristol City.
The latest, a chip from 25 yards, was arguably his most impressive.
Browne was pleased that he could help contribute to the team’s win.
He said: “I’ll take any goal to be honest but scoring again today was really important for myself and the team.
“They (Bristol City) are a great team so to go to their place and get the three points and to come here and get another three points is fantastic.”
Browne scored a similar goal against Cardiff earlier on in the season, that being from a further distance out.
When comparing the two goals, he said: “They were quite similar in how they happened.
“The Cardiff goal was about trying to get distance on it and to keep it on target.
“Tonight was more about accuracy than anything.”
Browne’s first half effort gave North End the lead, before Famara Diedhou equailsed for the visitors midway through the second half.
Sean Maguire scored what turned to be the winner for Preston, his second in two games since returning from a long injury lay off, his introduction in the second half changing the complexion of the match.
And Browne was full of praise for his compatriot.
“He has come on in the last two games and made a massive impact.
“With Sean you can give it to his feet and he can hold it up or run in behind.
“His pace and frightening and his finishing is second to none.
“He has come back at the right time – I think any teams coming up against him will fear him and rightly so because of the qualities he possesses.”
Last night’s win meant Preston moved up one place in the table to 8th, now just one point off 6th placed Middlesbrough in the race for the final play off place.
With in form Fulham coming up on Saturday, the team knew how important last night’s game was.
Browne said: “We knew coming here today that it was a massive game, not a defining game but one we knew was important.
“We weren’t focusing on the Fulham game, we put all our focus into today’s game and got our tactics right.
“We came close to the play offs last season and we were disappointed to miss out but we’re taking it game by game and trying to pick up as many points as we can between now and the end of the season.”
Preston’s number eight has had an excellent month, being nominated for the PFA Player of the Month award for the Championship as well as being named man of the match in four successive games.
Browne praised manager Alex Neil for putting faith in him and helping him to improve as a player this season.
“The gaffer is starting to get the best out of me and he’s given me confidence to get into areas to go and attack, take people on and shoot.
“It’s something I needed to add to my game and he’s put belief in me and to go and do it.
“I’m trying to do my best to pay him back and do my best for the team.”
RS Sport 