"We should have won": Alex Neil reacts to Preston North End's 1-1 draw with Middlesbrough at Deepdale

Alan Browne put the Lilywhites in front just before half-time only for Marcus Tavernier to equalise less than a minute into the second period.

The result means PNE are now nine unbeaten in the Championship and sit 15th in the table.

“I thought we should have won the game,” said Neil.

“I thought we were the better the side, we moved the ball well and created the best opportunities.

“We spoke before the game and looking at Middlesbrough’s line-up, the only way they were going to score was from a set play or a mistake.

“And it was a mistake that cost us the goal.

“We should deal with a hopeful ball down the channel better, the ball slips past us and after all our efforts they are on level terms.

“But I thought our response was very good.

“We’ve hit the post, had one off the line, Alan’s goal was a fantastic one and there is the moment where Brandon Barker is clean through in the first minute.

“Jordan Storey even has a great chance at the end.

“We had more than enough in the game against a team that’s second in the league.”