Alex Neil hails 'magnificent' PNE display as penalty denies them all three points at Aston Villa

MATCH REPORT: Aston Villa 1-1 PNE

Tom Barkhuizen’s goal shortly before half-time put North End in front only for the goalscorer to then be penalised for an aerial challenge on Keinan Davis midway through the second half.

Lewis Grabban did the rest from the spot with chances for both sides coming and going before the game ended 1-1.

“If you look at the 90 minutes I thought we were the better side,” said Neil.

“We created the better chances, created more chances, moved the ball better, defended better, pressed better.

“I just felt we were better in every facet of the game really.

“It’s disappointing and frustrating that an extremely soft penalty is the way that they get back into the match.

“They’ve got some really good players, a really good squad and we’ve come here and dominated the match.

“In terms of being proud of my players I thought they were magnificent tonight.”

Darren England’s penalty award enraged North End at the time and Neil still felt his side had been hard done by on second viewing.

“I’ve watched it back quite a few times and I think it’s extremely soft,” he said.

“The biggest disappointment is the linesman gives it rather than the referee.

“If someone’s running towards you it’s difficult to tell if they’ve bundled them over or not.

“I think it’s really soft but I think whenever you come to a big away ground and you’re playing a big club, you’re just hoping that there’s going be a level playing field and that there’s a strong referee that’s going to make good decisions.

“I didn’t think that decision was the right one but that’s my personal opinion.”