Speaking after the demoralising loss, Lilywhites captain Alan Browne admitted that the side's pre-season hopes of making the play-offs now look to be unlikely to come to fruition.
He revealed: "I think, being realistic, the play-offs are a long way off. Other than something magnificent happening, which at the moment I don't see.
"It's all about being as strong as we can possibly can. We have a lot of new players and we haven't clicked straight away, and in preparation for next season we need to gel.
"Our ambition all along was the play-offs, but we are not up there. We can't feel sorry for ourselves, because we could easily get dragged into it at the other end if we got on a bad run - we need results."
Tonight, Preston will look to bounce back with a much-needed win, when they take on QPR - a side they beat 2-0 back in October - at Deepdale.
Here are today's biggest transfer stories and the latest team news involving Preston North End and the rest of the Championship, ahead of the midweek action:
. PRESTON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 22: A general view of the EFL matchball prior to the Sky Bet Championship match between Preston North End and Leeds United at Deepdale on October 22, 2019 in Preston, England. (Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images)
Championship transfer news (Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images) Photo: Lewis Storey
. Cardiff-linked international turns down MLS switch
Cardiff City and QPR-linked defender Declan Gallagher is said to have turned down a move to the MLS, with both New York Red Bulls and Portland Timbers keen. He's set to become a free agent this summer, upon the expiry of his Motherwell contract. (Daily Record) Photo: ANDY BUCHANAN
1. Cardiff-linked international turns down MLS switch
Cardiff City and QPR-linked defender Declan Gallagher is said to have turned down a move to the MLS, with both New York Red Bulls and Portland Timbers keen. He's set to become a free agent this summer, upon the expiry of his Motherwell contract. (Daily Record) Photo: ANDY BUCHANAN
2. Barnsley man signs new deal
Barnsley have moved to trigger a 12-month extension clause on the contract of forward Victor Adeboyejo. He's scored twice in seven starts for the club this seven, and played a role in the side's promotion to the second tier back in 2019. (BBC Sport) Photo: George Wood
3. Luton-linked ace focused only on Gillingham
Luton Town linked midfielder Kyle Dempsey has revealed he's only focusing on playing well and scoring for Gillingham, who are on track for a mid-table finish in League One. Barnsley were also interested in the 25-year-old last month. (The 72) Photo: James Chance
4. Swans youngster suffers season-ending injury
Swansea City have been forced to send loanee Jordan Morris back to MLS side Seattle Sounders just over a month after arriving at the club, after suffering a season-ending ACL injury. He made five appearances before his deal was terminated. (Club website) Photo: George Wood