Alex Neil rues mistakes in both boxes as Preston North End are beaten at Derby

Alex Neil tries to get his message across at Pride Park

MATCH REPORT: Derby County 2-0 Preston North EndThe Lilywhites were in the ascendancy when Mason Mount opened the scoring against the run of play for Frank Lampard’s side 38 minutes in.

And Richard Keogh’s header 12 minutes from time made sure of the points leaving PNE still looking for their first goal and point on the road in the Championship this season.

“The first goal was always going to be a big factor in the game and it came at a stage when we were on top,” said Neil.

“The first 40 minutes of the match I was really pleased with how we performed.

“We nicked the ball really well in areas high up the pitch but from that point onwards our quality breaking on them wasn’t as good as it should have been.

“The goal came from an attack of ours down the right hand side, we overhitt a cross, an example of our quality at the top end, they break and then get a goal.

“That really deflated us.

“At the moment we’re struggling to score goals so when you concede naturally the lads were going to be disappointed.

“In the second half we didn’t play as well as in the first half and the goal is a disappointing one for us to lose.

“It’s a basic corner into the box, they win the header, there’s not much pace on it and it should probably be saved.

“We need more of a cutting edge and to cut out the silly mistakes in our own box."