Luton Town boss says best team didn't win after Championship defeat to Preston North End

Brad Potts scored a wonder goal as North End won for the first time in 23 years at Kenilworth Road.

Ryan Lowe’s side were made to work for the points, in 32 degree heat, but in truth Freddie Woodman did not have a lot to do in the PNE goal.

After taking the lead in the first half, PNE defended well and saw the game out, including eight minutes of stoppage time.

Jones felt North End used their nous to help them to the three points, rather than them being the better side.

He said: “Preston are a good side, they're hard working, real good Championship knowledge. You just have to look at Alan Browne, Daniel Johnson, Andrew Hughes. They've got a real good structure in what they do.

"We knew they'de be a difficult side. We have a really good record here against Preston, they would have known that.

"They've come here and done a job. For them it's a magnificent performance - away at Luton, to win 1-0, not many do that, and to keep a clean sheet.

"Ironically two of the sides that have been here in the Championship have done that so maybe we need too adjust that trend.

"I've no problem with Preston are a good side and their manager is excellent and they have players that know the level.

"Overall I think we were the better side, we just didn't take a chance and they did.”

The Welshman cut a frustrated figure after his side’s defeat and felt the opening goal was crucial.

Jones bemoaned the amount of stoppages in the game, and the gamesmanship PNE were able to employ a goal to the good.

He feels that something must be done about how long the ball is in play but did warn his side against what could happen if they were not the ones to break the deadlock.

He said: “It's frustrating for a number of reasons. First, we concede a poor, well, they can say it's a good goal.

Second, we've had enough opportunities to get something from the game, enough chances, clear cut chances, balls around their box, set plays.

"We had enough of the game to get something from it. The flow of the game was very frustrating for us.

"I said to the boys before the game, to get the first goal because it's very difficult to chase the game in this weather and in the current climate.

"I mean that as in the way football is played at the minute, how much time it takes to do everything once you get ahead. It's very difficult to generate the tempo.

“They're not going to be in any rush to do anything, and rightly so, it's up to us to be able to deal with that.

"The fact is that we conceded and then they were never going to be in any hurry. I think something has to be done.

"If we'd have scored first, or taken one of our chances, I don't think we'd be sat here moaning about it.”