Dylan Davidson said it simply wasn’t meant to be for the youth team in the 2-1 away loss at Rochdale.
The young Northern Irish forward featured on the left of the U18s’ attack during the defeat, but he did provide the cross for Josh Earl to score the Lilywhites’ only goal in the second half.
“I thought we started well,” explained Davidson, who suggested North End were unfortunate to go behind. “We were on top in the first 15 minutes and then they got a penalty – which I thought was the wrong decision.
“They got another goal and our confidence dropped but then in the second half we came out and were better and could have scored more than one goal.”
That saw the Lilywhites trail 2-0 at the break, but Davidson believed his team improved in the second half.
He said: “I think after we scored the first one if we had got a quick equaliser then we could have gone on to win it.
“We had a few chances but I just don’t think it was meant to be.”
On his personal display, Davidson added: “It wasn’t one of the best games I’ve had but I’ve got an assist on the board.
“It could have been better though so it’s just important to move on to the next game now.”
The 17-year-old was making just his second appearance for the youth team since returning from a month-long work experience loan at Lancaster FC at the end of November.
“The loan has helped me to gain a lot of experience of real, men’s football because it’s a lot more physical,” explained the attacker. “I got plenty of game time and it was a good experience of first-team football.
“Now I’m back hopefully I can perform for the youth team in same the way I performed for Lancaster.”