Preston North End boss proud of his side after narrow defeat to Premier League Wolves in Carabao Cup

Raul Jimenez and Adama Traore scored in the first half for the hosts - with Dai Cornell also saving a penalty from Hwang Hee Chan – and Ben Woodburn got an early goal back for North End in the second half, though they could not find an equaliser.

North End gave as good as they got in the game, having spells on top themselves whilst also weathering a few storms against a star-studded line up.

Bruno Lage started the game with Portugal stalwart Joao Moutinho and former Barcelona man Traore in their starting XI, showing clear respect for their visitors.

Lowe was happy with what he saw from his side and was hoping they could draw themselves level before the end.

He said: “I'm very proud. To pit your wits against a good quality Premier League team first and foremost is very good.

"In the second half we were well worthy of the goal and potentially another one.

"They've got some class players and we knew they were going to open us up at times, tactically we changed it in the second half and let us go round the back of us rather than through the middle.

"We scored a good goal and then who knows. We had a good opportunity where Emil could have shot first and then one right across the box where Potts sees it late and then it could have been potentially penalties.

"I was really pleased with the way they took on instruction and their belief to go and compete with Wolves.

"After 75 minutes they brought on about £150m worth of talent, so I'm really pleased.”

Lowe thought his side were good value for their part in a close game at Molineux, with chances to score more than just the one they got in the end.

The PNE boss had to admit however that a top flight side like Wolves were going to get their opportunities in the match but just wanted to see his side continue to do the right things, as they have so far this season.

He said: “We've taken one of our chances and they've got some good players that stop you from getting into those areas and making those good goals.

"For us, it's about keeping working, keeping doing the right things.

"In the second half I think we were worthy of our goal, if we'd have got another one I'd have been really pleased.

"Their second goal, the volley, is one that is worthy of winning any game.

" At 3-0 if they'd have scored their penalty, it would have been a bit of injustice. It was pleasing to get one back and have a bit of a go at it towards the end.”