Neil delighted by Lilywhites' opening-day win over Owls

The Lilywhites got their campaign off to a winning start,beating Sheffield Wednesday 1-0 at Deepdale.

Neil’s men were the better side for long spells against an Owls outfit which had reached the play-offs for the last two seasons.

“If you look at our team and squad, it is relatively young and has so much energy about it,” said Neil.

“What we can do is go and overrun teams, there are so many legs all over the pitch.

“On Saturday, our energy and enthusiasm – and at times our quality – was excellent.

“I don’t think Sheffield Wednesday were surprised by that, they are an experienced team and have an experienced manager.

“I just think we played very well on the day and the win was totally deserved.

“We want to play from the back and build play up but as Sheffield Wednesday pressed us, we picked it up from the front and went from there.

“There were good quality balls up to Sean Maguire and then Jordan Hugill.

“That let them take the ball in so we could be front facing and build from there.

“We can mix our play up if we want to, whether teams press us or sit off us.”

Daniel Johnson’s penalty in the 79th minute won the game for North End, Hugill having been tripped.

The clean sheet was a big bonus for Neil after concerns with some of the defending in the final two friendlies.

Neil said: “A lot has been made of the defensive side but we only lost the Burnley game, one which we made a lot of changes for.

“I thought the lads did great and we defended well.

“As a manager, you always worry that once they cross the white line, things are out of your control.

“They did what I expected of them, I’m very pleased.”

North End return to action against Accrington Stanley at the Crown Ground tomorrow in the Carabao Cup.

The clash is likely to see a debut for Stephy Mavididi who joined on a season’s loan from Arsenal on Friday.

Neil insists the teenager has not been signed to replace Jordan Hugill who on Friday was subject to a second bid from Birmingham City.

Said Neil: “Stephy is not a replacement for anyone.

“He gives us real strength and blistering pace which can terrify any defender.

“Stephy coming here will benefit the lad and it will be of benefit to us.

“Huddersfield last year were a great example of how lads on loan could be great for the club and for themselves.”

Josh Harrop was missing from the squad on Saturday due to injury and might miss the Accrington trip.