JAN Poortvliet has told his players they must not let their stunning comeback win against Preston be a one off.

The Saints head coach saw his side lift themselves out of the Championship relegation zone after the remarkable turnaround at Deepdale and breathe some new life into their season.

Saints came from two goals down to win an away league game for the first time since Matt Le Tissier’s hat-trick helped Alan Ball’s side win 5-4 at Norwich in April 1994.

It was the first time Saints had come from 0-2 down to win a league game since James Beattie’s triple helped beat Fulham 4-2 at St Mary’s in October 2002.

The scenes of celebration from the players and fans at Deepdale were more akin to winning a World Cup than a Championship match at Preston.

But it showed how much it meant to everybody.

Not only was it a valuable three points, but it produced a real sense of optimism that things can start to get better this season.

Saints now go into a period without midweek games which should allow them to get the majority of their squad fit again.

With the next two games at home, and the one after that only at Reading, it will also mean little travelling to be done.

Though Saints’ next three opponents are all near the top, the Preston result has given the team something to start from.

Poortvliet said: “You have to build on this. At Sheffield you saw a team playing, against Coventry as well because we deserved to win there.

“Also coming back from 2-0 behind, which had not happened before, I think it’s great.

“I have no words for it because it was emotional because I love to win for the fans.

“They have had a hard time, also last year and this year because it’s difficult to believe in something, what we’re doing, because they see young boys.

“That means we have to show them something and now I hope they will be behind us in more numbers next week.”