Lewis Leigh said his side was unlucky not to win after losing 1-0 to Bolton Wanderers in the Youth Alliance Cup on Saturday.
A tight game saw the visitors take the three points in the local derby encounter, with Finlay Lockett’s second half strike the difference.
Speaking to PNE.Com after the cup clash, Leigh said: “I thought we were unlucky not to win the game, I thought we played well.
“We had a shaky start during the first 15 minutes of the game but as the game went on we started to link up well and create chances. It is what it is and hopefully next time we can finish our chances better.”
The tricky winger looked threatening for the Lilywhites throughout the game against Bolton, linking up well with Kyi Nicholson, constantly causing the Trotters’ full backs problems.
“Me and Kyi have a good partnership, we do some individual learning together in training which involves him running in behind or me running in behind, as well as doing some work on our crossing and finishing, which gives us a better understanding of each other’s play come matchday.”
Speaking on his own performance after the game, Leigh added: “I had a few opportunities to score today and probably should have done, but I thought my runs in behind were good and it was causing them a few problems.
“I managed to get into a few good areas for crossing positions, I thought my delivery was good. I thought we were unlucky not to get on the scoresheet today and overall,l I thought myself and the team had a decent game with plenty of positives to take into the next one.”
PNE still have one game remaining in the Youth Alliance Cup against Doncaster Rovers on October 31st, and Leigh is still hopeful his side can progress.
He said: “We will still be believing we have got a chance in this competition; we just have to beat Doncaster Rovers and then rely on Bolton beating them, too.
“Personally, I still think there is plenty to play for and we are not out of this competition just yet, we just have to do our own thing and hope results go our way.”