Manager Ryan Lowe was disappointed Preston North End let their Carabao Cup round one tie against Salford City get all the way to penalties.
North End were knocked out in the first stage of the competition after defeat to the League Two outfit, with the Ammies winning 4-2 on penalties following a 2-2 draw in normal time.
The visitors went two goals up inside the opening 38 minutes of the cup tie, before goals from Ben Woodburn and Duane Holmes either side of half-time drew the Lilywhites level.
Will Keane twice had the ball in the back of the net in the second period, but was denied on both occasions by the offside flag.
Ryan said: “The first-half performance was nowhere near really. We were a little bit sluggish and didn’t move the ball well enough, and to give them two sloppy goals was disappointing.
“To get one back just before the break just gives you a little bit of a boost going in at half-time and we felt we needed to make a few changes.
“We were obviously a lot younger tonight and gave the lads an opportunity. I’m not saying it was their fault, of course not, but I just wanted to get them a little bit more experience on the pitch at half-time because I felt the game was there to go and win.
“The second half we won but we were unfortunate by two decisions where you look at them back and they’re clearly onside, but you can’t complain at that. We should never have let it get to penalties.”
A real plus point from the night was another impressive performance from Holmes, following his lively cameo appearance off the bench against Bristol City last weekend.
The US international, who assisted Will Keane’s equaliser at Ashton Gate, was the provider again for Ben Woodburn’s goal in the first half, before taking his own goal well in the second.
“He’s got that energy,” the manager added. “He’s busy around, gets on the end of things, he can run with the ball, jump people and take the ball off them which you’ve seen with his goal.
“He’s got an eye for a pass and he’s got an eye for a goal as well. You’ve seen some of the shots he had, that’s what Duane brings you.
“He’s got them qualities but he’s also an experienced player who knows the game and knows how to win games of football.”