NIGEL Clough thought that two key decisions going against his side in the space of a minute cost his team a share of the spoils as Preston ran out 2-1 winners at the Pirelli Stadium.
He said: "The two decisions changed the course of the game. It was a foul on Ben Turner at the far post for their first goal and 30 seconds later we get a shout for handball in their penalty area and unfortunately those two things have determined the result today.
"Ben was climbed over by two players and then Sean Scannell has put in a cross and their player has slipped and gone on his backside and stopped the cross coming in with his hand.
"Preston were the better side today but that doesn't always mean you win the matches and at 65 minutes those two decisions going against you make it very difficult.
"In terms of effort we couldn't ask any more of the players again today and they have worked their socks off but it's not quite enough at the moment against better players and better teams.
"We can't get a break in either penalty area at the moment but we keep going and hope that will change.
"We have known for the last 18 months that teams will have more quality as if you can pay players more money you will get better quality. We will keep going, keep battling and keep fighting - that is all we can do."