Midfielder Paul Gallagher admitted that today’s defeat was one of the most frustrating games he’s been involved in, in a long time after North End left the New York Stadium empty handed.
North End had more than their fair share of chances, particular in the first half to take the lead, but despite Lukas Nmecha’s goal late on, the Lilywhites were beaten 2-1 against Rotherham United on New Year’s Day.
“Coming here, we knew we had to match them” said Gallagher to iFollowPNE post-match.
“They do the basics really well but I thought we played some really good stuff in that first half.
“I don’t know how many times we went through on the goalkeeper but our decision making at the top end wasn’t good enough today and when you’re playing against Rotherham, they’re going to turn behind the ball and press against your defence but I thought we played away from pressure really well and created numerous chances but unfortunately for us we couldn’t take them.
“It’s probably one of the most frustrating games I’ve been involved in, in a long time.”
It wasn’t just the decision making in the Lilywhites attack that Gallagher and his team-mates were frustrated over – with two in particular decisions going against Tom Barkhuizen and Declan Rudd.
“None of the decisions went our way today” continued Gally. "The first one, Barky is going through one on one with the ‘keeper and the lad takes him clean out.
“I had a word with the officials and they said Tom was stumbling which I felt wasn’t right. The big lad gave Declan a real elbow on the face, but the referees have a tough job to do.
"We don’t want to make any excuses, we should have been three or four up at half-time. It tells you the story of the game that the manager makes two changes at half-time when they’re 1-0 up.
"The timing of the first goal really hampered us and it took us to go two down to get back into the game but we still should have got something out of the game even late on when we pushed to get that goal. There’s a few ifs and buts but ultimately we need to take our chances.”
The 34-year-old started his tenth game in a row this afternoon, and as well as his starring role on the pitch, Gally spoke of his growing role off the field.
“I feel fine, I feel like 21 again and your legs become better the more 90 minutes you play” continued the experienced pro.
“When you’re coming off at 70 minutes your legs are tender but i’ve enjoyed it - I’d prefer to have had more points but I give everything for this club and I think I’ve shown that throughout the years.
In goal, on the left, on the right, centre midfield. I’ve loved my time here and if I can keep putting the individual performances from myself and playing well then I'll continue.
“I keep saying to myself that I’m a role model for these youngsters. If you look on the bench we’ve got four players from the Academy and I need to set the standards because they’re looking up to the oldest player in the squad.
"What’s he doing how’s he keeping himself right on and off the pitch and I take that on as a real responsibility for myself.”
Hear more from Paul Gallagher on iFollowPNE now by clicking on the video above.