VIDEO: Clarke rues tale of two boxes at Elland Road

Tom Clarke admitted it was a tale of two boxes as Preston North End's play-off hopes were all but ended with defeat at Leeds.
By The Newsroom
Published 9th Apr 2017, 10:15 BST
Updated 9th May 2017, 18:51 BST

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Tom Clarke reacts after the final whistle at Elland Road.Tom Clarke reacts after the final whistle at Elland Road.
Tom Clarke reacts after the final whistle at Elland Road.

Some of the Lilywhites’ attacking play was easy on the eye with Tom Barkhuizen missing a one-on-one early in the piece before hitting the bar in the second half as PNE went down 3-0 at Elland Road.

At the other end however defensive errors were at the heart of the hosts’ three goals with Alex Baptiste also sent off late on for an apparent stamp on Pablo Hernandez.

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“I thought our attacking play was brilliant,” said the Preston skipper.

Tom Clarke reacts after the final whistle at Elland Road.Tom Clarke reacts after the final whistle at Elland Road.
Tom Clarke reacts after the final whistle at Elland Road.

“We created chances and it was just a shame we couldn’t take them.

“We hit the bar and had one-on-one chances but we just weren’t clinical enough in both boxes.

“We went there with confidence and we’re disappointed with the goals we gave away.”

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Kemar Roofe’s opener came just five minutes after Barkhuizen had missed a golden opportunity in on goal against Rob Green.

Tom Clarke reacts after the final whistle at Elland Road.Tom Clarke reacts after the final whistle at Elland Road.
Tom Clarke reacts after the final whistle at Elland Road.

Roofe then broke in behind Clarke at the other end with Greg Cunningham’s challenge only deflecting the ball over Chris Maxwell and in.

“We started really well,” said Clarke.

“We passed the ball, created a couple of chances and Barky went one-on-one.

“It was frustrating that they got the goal.

“It was unlucky in a way but we’ve got to look at ourselves and do better.”

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The second goal from Hernandez came at a bad time for North End, on the stroke of half-time, with victory only sealed by Souleymane Doukara in stoppage time.

“If we’d gone it at 1-0 we could have regrouped and come out and created chances again but the timing of the second goal wasn’t brilliant,” said Clarke.

“Then at 2-0 we’re all going for it and it played into their hands.

“The scoreline flatters them a little bit.”

The third goal came shortly after Baptiste’s clash with Hernandez, referee Peter Bankes having no hesitation in pulling out the red card.

“He’s saying he hasn’t stamped.” said Clarke.

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“He said he tried to get over him. I spoke to the ref and he said he saw it and the linesman saw it so it’s something we’ll have to look back on.”

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Related topics:Tom ClarkePreston North EndPeter BankesElland RoadLeedsPablo HernandezLilywhites