Callum Lang scored his first two goals for Preston North End to secure a vital 2-1 Championship win over rivals Blackburn Rovers at Deepdale. The victory, coming just one day ago, gave PNE their first three points of the season after a difficult start that has left them 23rd in the table with just three points from five games.
According to the club's official report, Lang expressed his delight at breaking his duck and helping the team to a much-needed result. "I’m really happy with our first win," Lang said. "It'll give us a lot of confidence and I think this can be the start of our season." The forward's double came at a critical time for a side that had scored only five goals while conceding ten in their opening fixtures.
How did Preston perform in the derby?
The team delivered a high-energy performance in front of their home supporters, who provided an extra edge for the East Lancashire derby. After a tough beginning to the campaign, the display at Deepdale showed positive signs of a squad starting to gel. New players are settling in following the closure of the transfer window, and this result was intended to kickstart their season. The win moves Preston to within eight points of league leaders Swansea, though they remain in the relegation zone.
What does this mean for Preston's season?
This first victory is a significant morale boost for everyone connected with the club. Managerial and staff changes, along with new arrivals, have required an adjustment period. Lang highlighted the importance of the result for team spirit. Building on this performance is now essential, especially with key players Ali McCann and Brad Potts currently sidelined, as shown on the club's injuries page. The squad will need to maintain the positive threat they showed something Lang referenced when discussing their previous outing. "I thought we played very well against Bristol City and we were a real threat " he noted.
What are the immediate challenges ahead?
The challenge is to turn this single win into a consistent run of form. Preston's next fixture is a quick turnaround, an away trip to face Watford on September 8th. Watford currently sit 17th in the Championship table, making it another important match in the battle to climb away from the bottom. Fans can track the team's progress in the standings as they look to build momentum.
Securing three points against a local rival provides a foundation. The team must now prepare for a busy schedule, with the full list of upcoming matches available on the fixtures page. Ending their poor recent form of four consecutive losses was the immediate priority, and Lang's goals achieved that. The focus shifts entirely to preparing for the match at Vicarage Road.
