Preston boss Alex Neil admits side faded in Bolton draw

Alex Neil conceded his Preston side faded after a bright start as they were held by Bolton at Deepdale on Friday night.
Tom Barkhuizen challenges Bolton's Adam Armstrong.Tom Barkhuizen challenges Bolton's Adam Armstrong.
Tom Barkhuizen challenges Bolton's Adam Armstrong.

The Lilywhites ended a run of four straight defeats in the 0-0 draw but are now seven without a win in the Championship.

It was an improved display from North End, especially in the early stages, with Tom Barkhuizen and Andy Boyle amongst those to go close for the hosts.

“I was pleased with the first 45 minutes,” Neil said.

Tom Barkhuizen challenges Bolton's Adam Armstrong.Tom Barkhuizen challenges Bolton's Adam Armstrong.
Tom Barkhuizen challenges Bolton's Adam Armstrong.
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“I thought we played well. We moved the ball particularly well at times.

“We had three or four good opportunities, most of them from set plays.

“I thought we got down the sides of them in the first half as well and maybe a lack of composure or a lack of quality in terms of that final pass let us down.

“We’ve not played well the last two games and we focused a lot on making sure our performance was better and I thought it certainly was for 45 minutes.

Tom Barkhuizen challenges Bolton's Adam Armstrong.Tom Barkhuizen challenges Bolton's Adam Armstrong.
Tom Barkhuizen challenges Bolton's Adam Armstrong.
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“The second half was a bit scrappy. You could see there were a lot of players who hadn’t played a lot of football.

“Some of them tired. Paul Gallagher did, hence why I had to take him off, Calum Woods started to tire, even Callum Robinson started to tire and there was Stephy Mavididi up front too.

“We patched it together a bit but the fact is we got a clean sheet, I don’t think they looked particularly threatening.

“Our four chances in the first half were certainly the best of the game.”