Preston North End defender Liam Lindsay will welcome a free midweek after Saturday’s battle against Blackburn Rovers.
The Lilywhites drew 2-2 with their Lancashire rivals at Deepdale, as PNE came from behind to take a point. All four goals were scored in the first 45 minutes, with Lindsay dreaming of scoring another late winner against the Ewood Park side. He wasn’t able to do so this time, even though Preston sent plenty of crosses into the Rovers box late on.
Overall, Lindsay accepted responsibility for the defensively weak start but was happy to salvage something from the derby and prolong North End’s winning streak. Sam Gallagher’s goal, which put the game at 2-0, raised questions about whether it was offside, but Lindsay had no complaints after the game.
“It was behind me and Jordan thought it was, but we’ve looked back and I don’t think it is so yeah, poor from us really,” Lindsay replied. “We were largely in control of the game for the remainder of it after the poor start and the two goals we allowed in, which are unacceptable. Other than that, I think we played really well. Given that we are now two goals behind, it’s a valid point—you can’t give anyone that in this league. They got in behind too easily, and as a back three, we have to shoulder the responsibility.
“We’ll look back and it and see what we can do better, but I think we know already. Great character to get back and we arguably could’ve nicked it. To be fair, the lads up top have been ruthless. We maybe don’t create as many chances as we’d like, but we take them – which is always good. A few of us were carrying niggles, but I think adrenaline gets you through in a derby.
“We dealt with them much better in the second half and were on top, I think. To be fair, we knew they were going to (try get in behind) and it’s poor from us. The two goals, you could maybe get away with one but two is unacceptable. The top of the pitch got us out of it. I think coming off the back of the results we’ve had, it helped us. There was patience and calmness and we knew we’d get chances.”
Now, it’s a matter of recuperating, sleeping, and then getting ready for Friday night’s match at Coventry City, who are currently two points ahead of PNE and in the final play-off spot. Preston’s sixth man is aware of the significance of the upcoming games, which will see seventh-place Hull City.
“We’ve got a couple of days off, so definitely feet up and go again Friday,” Lindsay added. “If you want to look at it that way, it’s a six pointer since they are in a similar situation to us. There will be a lot of work put into this huge game. There is still plenty to play for because I don’t think anyone anticipated us to achieve the accomplishments we have and a good end to the season is what everyone wants.”
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