Ben Pearson was left to rue a slow first-half as North End tasted defeat at home for the first time in two months.
Moussa Dembele’s strike in the 74th minute proved decisive between the two after Marnick Vermijl had previously clawed North End back level following Ross McCormack’s opener.
Speaking after the game, Pearson conceded a poor first 45 minutes proved costly with the Cottagers taking back all three points to West London.
"I think everyone is disappointed. We came up against a team with quality but we felt we did more than enough to win the game" told Pearson to PNE PlayerHD post match.
"There was a 20 minute period were we lost our way and we were struggling to keep possession, and they had a good spell with the ball and that was frustrating,
"Once we got in at half time, we knew we had to go for it and you seen a completely different performance in the second half."
North End weren't helped by the injuries to defenders Tom Clarke and Calum Woods in the first half, but Pearson refused to use that as an excuse for the first 45 minutes.
"I thought the game in general was slow paced, and I'm sure it wasn't great to watch as it wasn't great to play in either to be honest," he continued.
"It was just one of those nights were nothing fell for us, and it just wouldn't go in the net but we've showed character to come behind, it's just unlucky for us that we've conceded again."
For more reaction from Ben Pearson and the PNE boss, head to PNE PlayerHD via this link.