First Deepdale league win of the season delights Preston North End coach Frankie McAvoy

McAvoy was on press conference duty after PNE's 1-0 victory over Sheffield Wednesday which ended a run of five straight defeats at Deepdale in league action.

Tom Barkhuizen's 48th minute goal delivered the victory, the winger firing home a first-time shot from just inside the box after Ryan Ledson's cross had been punched clear by Owls keeper Keiran Westwood.

Wednesday had been reduced to 10 men in the 17th minute, striker Josh Windass red carded for a high challenge on Joe Rafferty.

McAvoy said: "I was really good to win at home. It was a tough game, particularly when Sheffield Wednesday went down to 10 men.

"They had a back five with three in front of that but thankfully we found a way through to win the game.

"I thought in the second half we controlled it. The changes which Alex made at half-tie, worked well."

McAvoy felt the red card for Windass was a deserved one and he also felt Scott Sinclair was denied a clear penalty in the first half.

"I thought the sending-off was the right decision," said McAvoy.

"Right away I thought it might be a red card. He went in chest height on Joe, so I wasn't surprised at all.

"It can be difficult playing against 10 men, it doesn't always work out that you can take advantage.

"The other big decision in the first half was the penalty Scott Sinclair should have had.

"Again, right away I thought it was going to be given. I've seen it back and it should have been a penalty.

"Had we scored then, it would have taken the pressure off a bit .

"At half-time, we put Paul Gallagher and Jayden Stockley on. We went with a back three and wing-backs, with two up top.

"Sheffield Wednesday only had one up so it was a way for us to stretch them.

"Thankfully we got the goal from Tommy B, it was an excellent strike with it coming our of the air. He took it first time."

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