Manager Darren Ferguson was almost in disbelief that he had watched his lose a two-goal lead at Deepdale on Tuesday night, having seemingly been strolling towards another deserved three points.

"The game was over at 2-0; or at least I'd like to think it was," he told the press after the game. "Then we gave them a goal and they got a second and for 15 minutes they looked like the ones who were going to go ahead, but we had control of the game.

"We were the better team first half and should have been more than one up. We caused them a lot of problems from set pieces.

"I can't explain the first goal that they've scored - it is unexplainable. We then lacked composure and had a mad 15 minutes and it took us to the last 15 minutes to get that back and then I thought we might have nicked a goal, but it was a really poor result."

Clearly disappointed at the nature of the first goal, Ferguson stressed the need for his side to focus at all times: "Andy [Lonergan] has been doing really well, but concentration is a word I use a lot and it is a really important thing and lapses in concentration changes games.

"We saw that on Saturday and we saw that again tonight. At 2-0 they would have to chase the game and that would have suited us.

"We got back in it and we had a go at them and I can't fault the lads' effort and commitment, but that is four points we have dropped at home that we shouldn't have in the last three games and that is not good enough."

Paul Coutts again added to his growing reputation, scoring his first goal in English football and playing a bit part in the opener too: "Paul was outstanding and I am really pleased with him - the lad is a good player," added the gaffer. "For the first goal we spoke about Billy getting on and it was a great pass from Paul and then another great pass from Billy to find Mells and he took a touch and put it in with his side foot.

"There is a small difference between mid-table and being successful and I am disappointed for my players, because they have givem their all and are really disappointed in the dressing room.

"We could have got to 50 points tonight and would have been in the top half still and I think that's where we should be, at least and then you never know what can happen, but now we have two tough away games and we have to be ready for those."