Defender Patrick Bauer pinpoints missed chances as reason for Preston North End’s defeat

Patrick Bauer felt that North End not taking advantage of their opening dominance ultimately cost them the game against Millwall on Saturday.
Patrick Bauer wins this aerial duel with Tom BradshawPatrick Bauer wins this aerial duel with Tom Bradshaw
Patrick Bauer wins this aerial duel with Tom Bradshaw

Preston started the game the better side, creating several chances as they came quickly out of the blocks, with Daniel Johnson and David Nugent both having chances that you would expect them to score.

After the opening quarter of an hour, Millwall came back into the game and were largely the better side from then on, eventually getting what they deserved.

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Shaun Hutchinson steered a header past Declan Rudd, ghosting in after Murray Wallace had headed the ball back into the danger zone.

For North End’s German defender, the importance was on the opening goal.

Bauer said: “I think we started the game well, especially the first 20 to 25 minutes. I thought we had two or three really good opportunities.

“We didn’t take them unfortunately. Goals change games, the second half was tough.

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“They have big boys in their squad, they always would be dangerous at the set-plays and unfortunately we conceded after one.

“The gaffer said our game was good in the first 25 minutes but after, we were slack on the ball. He wasn’t really happy with the second half of the first half.

“Obviously with the wind and the rain in the second half it was a tough game. I don’t think we played at our best today and unfortunately we lost.

“Millwall are a team that is well organised, especially when they score the first goal they sit even deeper – then it’s more difficult.”

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Bauer was quick to put the disappointment behind him and look ahead to the next game. Preston will have another home date in which they hope to put things right, welcoming Hull City to Deepdale on Satrurday.

“It wasn’t our day today and we’re looking forward to making it better next week against Hull. There are still some positives to take, the other teams didn’t get very good results wither but we are focused on ourselves.

“We came off an unbeaten run of six games and we want to get on one again, we want to build the momentum.”