Jason Euell reaction as Preston North End let two-goal lead slip at QPR

Preston North End interim manager Jason Euell has given his reaction after a 2-2 draw with QPR.

A double from Johnny Kenny in the opening half an hour gave PNE what looked like a comfortable lead at the break but QPR were by the far the better and more dominant side in the second half, and got back level through Kwame Poku and Paul Smyth.

North End were unable to hold on despite having the advantage of an extra man; Dennis Cirkin was sent off on 15 minutes for a mistimed tackle on Léo Leroy.

Post-match, Euell said: “Mixed emotions in terms of the position that we found ourselves so early in the game, maybe being 2-0 up too early for ourselves.

“Just disappointed in terms of the fact that we had an opportunity to go and kill the game off, which we didn't. Part of that has been an issue for us in terms of being more clinical in the positions. But allowing ourselves to be overtaken against 10 men, it's disappointing.

“And part of what I said to the boys after is because it's a learning experience, it’s a new experience that we've been 2-0 up, then we've got the extra man advantage. And it's not as easy as what people believe it is. Part of that is that we have to be able to control our emotions, manage the game of football better.

“That mindset of knowing where we are to where we want to get to, and not let that outside noise get the better of us. But as I said, mixed emotions. Disappointed that we didn't go on to win the game, but we've got a point.”

When asked to elaborate on what he meant by ‘control our emotions’, he said: “I think it was a bit more calmness [that was needed]. Knowing that we've got the extra body on the pitch, can we use the ball better?

“It's a case of you want someone to step up, someone to take it, pass the baton and someone else to take it, and not being on different pages.

“Part of that is because, one, you're away from home. Two, you're playing against 10 men and the crowd [is] now that extra body, that extra player for them. And it's just how you manage those moments.

“I don't think we managed them as well as we could have done. But I feel that we were still good in periods of that game.

“We just need to know from when we find ourselves in these positions that we've got to be more clinical and take advantage of that. They know that because they're just as disappointed as me.

They're just as disappointed and they know that we've dropped basically an extra two points.”

Euell was happy with Johnny Kenny after his brace.

“It’s good that he's up and running. He's only come into the building two weeks ago, he’s still finding his feet.

“He's put a good shift in and that's where we want him to be now that he's got his first goal. We just want him to keep being better for us, keep improving as a player and improving us as a club.”