Jordan Storey pleased with solid display despite disappointing defeat

There were few chances for either side throughout the piece, with the deciding factor in the end coming from the spot.

Joao Pedro was fouled by Tom Barkhuizen in the 50th minute inside the area and the Brazilian obliged with the resulting spot kick.

Storey followed his start against Blackburn Rovers with another at Deepdale and looked accomplished at the back alongside Liam Lindsay.

With the penalty proving to be the difference in the game, it was disappointing for the 23-year-old as he felt there was no other way the Hornets would find the net.

"I thought we were solid tonight," he said.

"It's disappointing to concede the penalty because I didn't feel like they were going to score tonight.

"We had a couple of threatening chances but unfortunately we just didn't capitalise on them.

"We managed the game well, they did dominate the ball a lot but they didn't hurt us with any of their passes and we dealt with it well.

"They have a lot of quality in that midfield and in general, we knew we were going to have to be at our paces tonight.

"It was difficult and sometimes frustrating because we didn't get on the ball a lot but we knew that, we prepared for that, and we managed the game well overall.

After come in from the cold against Blackburn to deliver back to back good performances, it's been a long time coming for the young defender.

Storey admits he has only had himself to blame for not maintaining levels he knew he was capable of and he wanted to step up for his teammates.

He said: "It's been a frustrating season for me, I've had highs and lows.

"For me personally, to get out there and get a win against Blackburn and then to be solid again tonight, was pleasing.

"I've been frustrated with myself because I've been inconsistent this season.

"I know I could have been a lot better. I've been itching to get out there and put a decent performance in for the lads."

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