The manager spoke to PNE PlayerHD after his side recorded their fourth consecutive clean sheet, but felt his team had missed a chance to take all three points.
Speaking to the Club’s online TV channel after the goalless draws with local rivals Bolton Wanderers, he was pleased with the hard work of his side, but feels that a little bit more quality is needed to turn draws into wins.
“I think when you look at both teams, they have both worked really hard and showed a lot of endeavour, the only thing that was missing was a little bit of quality in both boxes,” said the gaffer.
“We had a great opportunity at the back end of the game when Jordan should have picked DJ out, but you can’t fault the players for how they’ve competed; it was a lively derby game, but ultimately we feel disappointed, because we felt this was a good chance to go win a game.
“Full credit to the defenders, they did what they had to do; the midfielders passed the ball round, but it is just that top end of the pitch where you need it to happen and the difference between winning and drawing comes there.
“You have to give [Bolton] a lot of credit; they got a lot of blocks in around that 18 yard box. They have experienced defenders in Wheater and Dervite and they put their bodies on the line – which you expect from Neil Lennon’s team. We threatened and were positive in our approach, but we just lacked that little bit of quality, whether it was that final pass, or a cross into the box.
“If you don’t win a game the next best thing is to be solid and try and keep a clean sheet and that’s what we’ve done in the last four games. A lot of credit goes to the players for that, but we need that extra quality and decision making and we’ll keep working on that which will hopefully make the difference.”
Watch the full interview with the manager, plus get the thoughts of Irish defender Greg Cunningham by logging onto PNE PlayerHD now – we will also have highlights from 12 noon Sunday – click here now to log in.