Verdict - Preston North End did everything but win against Rotherham United

In truth, PNE should have won the game – there is no doubt about it.

Both manager Ryan Lowe and defender Jordan Storey, who spoke post match, could not believe how they did not win it.

The simple reason was that they failed to take their chances. Despite their inability to break the deadlock there was no real sense of anger after the match – instead, just pure disbelief.

On the whole, Preston were excellent. They were on top throughout the whole 90 minutes and did not take their foot off the gas, which adds to the disbelief that they could not find the winning goal.

It would have only taken one for them to have won the game, in part down to the excellent defensive work which has led to the best start to a season in the club’s history in that regard – four straight clean sheets.

Rotherham did have a couple of chances but they PNE had a plethora of opportunities.

I have written in the past about Lowe’s simple style hindering them in an attacking sense earlier on the season but it played right into their hands on Tuesday.

The simple slide ball down the channel to the onrushing Troy Parrott caused the Millers all sorts of problems, as did the Irishman’s general all-round play.

He was excellent at Deepdale, and much like PNE, did everything but score.

That is one area of his game that must improve, he has had several one-on-ones so far this season and has not converted any of them.

He is playing fantastically, creating chances and contributing to the side but it must be said that his finishing so far has let him down.

It will come, however, off the evidence so far and it will be interesting to see how the 20-year-old deals with the disappointments and not let it affect him mentally.

In keeping with that simple style, the wing-backs got plenty of joy at Deepdale. Again it was passes in behind – not aimless whacks – that would release the likes of Robbie Brady and Brad Potts.

The two had excellent quality on the night, with Potts seeing a thunderbolt tipped onto the bar in the second half.

PNE got it all right, they were hitting the target from range – a previous criticism – were winning headers from corners and creating chances in open play.

Though Rotheham at home is a game that North End would be looking to win, and should if they are to reach the play-offs, there is no need for an inquest.

It was just one of those nights and if they repeat that performance they’ll win far more games than they lose. It was a great watch with a great performance, barring one of the 20 shots they had going in, you cannot ask for much more.