Harrison Armstrong scored his first goal for PNE on Saturday
Preston North End manager Paul Heckingbottom was proud of his players in Saturday’s 1-1 draw against Wrexham.
The Lilywhites trailed inside five minutes when James McClean’s cross wasn’t dealt with and Kieffer Moore slotted home, at the back post, from one yard out. PNE pushed and pushed for an equaliser and eventually found one on 81 minutes, when Everton loan man Harrison Armstrong - introduced from the bench - rifled into the back of the net.
Post-match, Heckingbottom said: “We were a little disappointed that we didn't win the game, 100%, but really pleased with the performance and really enjoyed watching us. You’ll do well to create that much in another Championship game between now and the end of the season, but that's what we're striving for.
“I'm not one for the stats but if we have that type of dominance, in terms of chances and how we create between now and the end of the season in every game, we'll probably win 90% of them and we’re promoted, so that's what we're striving for all the time. But we know it's difficult and we know it's hard to do that.
“I spoke after the Blackburn game when we went behind against a team who were dangerous. Wrexham were the same. Although they've not been conceding goals, they're a comfortable team being a goal in front but we didn't panic, or change how we wanted to play.
“I always felt like we could influence it because the players were on it and performing the roles, so yes, I'm really, really pleased with us today. Just a soft one (to concede) from the start. The centre-back plays a one-two around Alfie, who doesn't normally get done by that. Steffi is too easy, the cross comes in and Linds misjudges the cross.
“We're usually very good; unlike us at the start of the game and just disappointing, because we actually started really brightly and never stopped, but out of nowhere we've gifted Wrexham a goal. The response is brilliant, performance is brilliant... there’s not much else to say.
“We're always going to make mistakes and I expect us to make mistakes because I want us to be brave and try and win the game. I've said it many times, I want to be stood on the sideline enjoying watching us play. But to do that, you've got to be brave. We were and I enjoyed it.”
Heckingbottom on Armstrong’s goal
“Yeah, took it nicely,” said Heckingbottom. “I've just been saying he plays a different role probably for us, than he did at Derby last year, with and without the ball. He'll find himself high up the pitch and be a lot more aggressive. I think that really suits him. He's a player who's 18 and already having a big impact on Championship games.
“One because of his talent, but probably more so because of his personality on the pitch and his drive to win. He really affects games positively and that's his gift, that's his talent... and he's got so much more to learn as well. He should get even better, so I think he's going to be a top player.”
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