Neil Kilkenny expressed his disappointment following Preston North End’s 3-1 loss to Rotherham United, describing the Play-Off semi-final second leg as a ‘game of inches’.
Two of the Millers’ goals were deflected in off the post, while Lilywhites striker Joe Garner saw his second half effort hit the upright, bounce across the line and away from danger.
Kevin Davies and David Buchanan also came within inches of scoring and Kilkenny believes North End were unlucky not to have added to their tally at the New York Stadium.
Reacting to the loss, the midfielder said: “Obviously very disappointed, I think it was inches or centre metres, sometimes you have luck and sometimes you don’t.
“They’ve had two goals which have hit the post and gone in and we’ve hit the post and seen it roll across the line to the goalkeeper.
“In these games you need a bit of luck at the same time and I think that’s what happened today.”
Paul Gallagher opened the scoring with a first half free kick which avoided everyone in the penalty area and bounced into the net.
But North End’s lead did not last long as Wes Thomas equalised for the hosts eight minutes later before Lee Frecklington and Kieran Agard completed the scoring.
“We went 1-0 up and we were obviously happy and then we let it slip but at the same time it was a game of inches really,” Kilkenny said.
“I think it was quite even the whole game - we missed a few chances, they missed a few chances and then they’ve hit the post and it’s gone in and we’ve hit the post and it’s just rolled across to the keeper.
“Sometime you need a bit of luck in these games.”
Despite the heartbreak and disappointment, Kilkenny praised his teammates and everyone involved at the Club, insisting this season has been positive.
He said: “I’m very proud of the lads and everyone at the Club, the fans, everyone, it’s been a fantastic season.”
“It’s a bit disappointing but we have to get back and get back on it.”
Once again, Preston fans sold out their allocation and were in full voice throughout the evening. Their support prompted praise from Kilkenny, who said: “They got behind us at Deepdale and they have got behind us tonight, they were brilliant.
“They will be disappointed we didn’t get a win but it has been a positive season and obviously it is disappointing now but if we look overall, we have done well.”