Skipper John Welsh says Preston North End’s 1-1 draw with Coventry City is ‘hard to take’.
Franck Moussa scored an 97th minute equaliser for the Sky Blues to cancel out Kevin Davies’ second half opener, despite the fourth official signalling just four minutes added time.
“I was on the bench at the time and when you see four minutes going up you think four minutes should be played,” Welsh exclusively told PNE.Com after the match.
“When you come in and hear the goal was scored in the 97th minute you’ve just got to get on with that, the referees have tough decisions to make and we understand that.
“But, as I said, it’s hard to take when you’ve worked so hard, you’ve blocked shots, you’ve put your head where it hurts and as a squad you feel as if you deserved to win the game.
“And the goal goes in, in the 97th minute, as I said no one can do anything about the goal but when you look at the free kick that was given to them in the corner.
“Joe has got in front of them and then obviously he’s gone in front of him and gone over and the referee’s given it.
“It’s hard to take and the lads are gutted but we’ve got to come back from it and put in a performance Friday and get back to winning ways.”
The Lilywhites took the lead nine minutes after the break as Kevin Davies smashed home an excellently weighted David Buchanan cross.
And Welsh was pleased for the 36-year-old striker, saying: “It was a well worked goal, Buchs – who was brilliant today – got up the left and played a one-two and played a great ball and Kev, as we know is a good finisher, he’s scored loads of goals.
“It’s nice for him, him and Joe work so hard up top so to see him get a goal, we were delighted.
“I think the way we celebrated showed how much we want him to score. Joe got the goals the other night so, for the work rate and the effort that he gives and the things he does for the team – he puts himself out at times for the benefit of the team.
“For him to get a goal, the lads were buzzing for him and me personally I was glad to see his name on the score sheet.”
Preston dictated the tempo of play from midfield as Welsh and Australia international Neil Kilkenny continued their telepathic understanding.
The duo have started together in six of North End’s last seven fixtures and the Club captain admits there is a partnership developing.
“I think there is, you look at Killa and he’s a neat and tidy footballer, a great player to play with,” Welsh said.
“He’s always looking for the ball, he’s got an eye for a pass, he can put people through and it’s a pleasure playing alongside him and working with him day-in, day-out.
“I’m sure that, I’m getting on a bit now, but I’m still looking to learn from people and he’s played at a good level.
“Training with the likes of him and Gally’s come in and Scotty Wiseman come in now so these are the players you want to learn from and it’s a pleasure to play with Killa.
“He’s a really good footballer and hopefully we can keep the partnership going and push our way up the table.”
Scott Wiseman started his first game for the Club since his move from Barnsley earlier this month and won man-of-the-match for his efforts.
“I thought he did really well, he deserved man-of-the-match,” Welsh said of his new teammate.
“I know Scotty from Hull so I know what he brings to the party.
“He’s got pace, power, he will look to attack and he’s a good defender as well so I think everything you want to see in a full back he’s got it.
“Since I last seen him he’s grown a lot and he brings a lot to the table and it’s a great signing.
“Once I knew he was signing, I knew he would be a good signing and he’s proved tonight that he’s really got something to add to the Club.”