First Half Display Pleases Davies

A first half hat-trick from striker Richard Cresswell put the Whites firmly in the box seat but they were made to hang on doggedly to collect all three points as Sunderland fought back with two goals of their own after the break.

"Our first-half play was first class," Davies said after the 3-2 win at Deepdale.

"We showed good stern determination to hang in there. And we have been working very hard on one or two set-pieces.

"Collectively, the team is working extremely hard, no doubt about it, getting at it and putting in the job required.

"We have the character to take on the top boys and get one or two results."