North End’s battling left back David Buchanan admitted North End had plenty of opportunities to take all three points after a 1-1 draw with Portsmouth.
Speaking to PNE.Com after the game the No.16 felt the side could and perhaps should have turned a domination of possession into goals at Deepdale.
“We had the chances to kill the game off,” he told the official website. “Everyone could see that we didn’t start really well, the way we wanted to, but we had the lion’s share of possession in the first half and I thought it was definitely a foul on Lee Holmes before the goal – I don’t see why he would go down in that position – but the referee didn’t give it. You have to take it and they went on and scored – a soft goal for us to concede, but then we had another couple of great chances.
“Joe Garner was off celebrating and did everything right. It hit the inside of the post and on another day it goes in, sometimes that’s the way your luck goes as a striker.
“The gaffer came in at half-time and told us to go out and get on the front foot and really push them back, because he felt we were stronger and could go on and win the game.
“We felt it was only a matter of time and we had another couple of good chances; the keeper fumbled a few and Will had a great chance, but then Keano stepped up and scored a great goal and if anyone was going to win it, it was only going to be us.”
Buchs was full of praise for his opposite full back-cum-midfielder after his equalising goal.
“Keano said in the dressing room that he was due one, but it was a fantastic finish,” he added. “He anticipated the second ball and as soon as it left his foot I knew it was in – perfect!
“I thought he was magnificent again today, but I thought everyone was.
“I thought we put a shift in and in the second half we showed a lot of character and we move onto Crewe now looking to try and keep it going. If we take some of the chances we are creating then we will comfortably win games.”
Looking ahead to that trip to Crewe the former Tranmere man is looking forward to playing in front of a huge away following, but also reserved praise for the travelling fans at Deepdale on Good Friday.
“The fans always make noise away from home – they have been magnificent and 2,500 is credit to them, especially with two games in quick succession.
“I’m sure they’ll get behind the team and hopefully we can give them something to cheer about.
“You also have to give credit to the Portsmouth supporters. Their fans are different class and made it a great atmosphere.”