Ryan Lowe reacts to Preston North End's defeat to La Liga side Getafe

North End started the game strongly and took the lead through Ryan Ledson who got on the end of a Robbie Brady cross just two minutes into the game.

Two goals from defender Gaston Alvarez Soza gave the Spanish side the victory, both goals coming in the second half.

Lowe was in good spirits regardless after the match, in part down to the application of his side but also that they all remained healthy. It was a feisty affair at time and no quarter was being given, particularly by PNE.

He said: "The result is irrelevant, you don't want to lose but ultimately when you're playing a team like Getafe they have some quality players, some international players.

"If we'd have won the game 3-1 I'd have been saying the same things in the press. It's nothing to do with that, it's about getting 60,70 minutes into the lads - 60 minutes into Robbie Brady and Ali McCann is back for 30 minutes and Alan Bronwe.

"Freddie is playing more games, Dai comes and the two youngsters. I thought in the first half we were fantastic and well worthy of the lead.

"In the second half we got a bit tired and sloppy towards the end and conceded two from set plays.

"The group have all got good some minutes in and they've all come away unscathed which is a big plus for us. I'm really pleased with the four days and the game that we've had.”

It is one of the bookends for North End’s trip in Spain as the squad fly back home on Thursday – they will get some down time before jetting off but there will be more work on the training pitch too.

Lowe said: “The lads have finished now, they'll get some recovery and Wednesday they might play some golf. We'll work them on Thursday before we leave.

"If I can get through pre-season, we've obviously got a small squad at the moment, we know we need to add more bodies, but if we can get through the Accrington game and the Hearts game unscathed then I'll be really pleased.”