Ryan Ledson felt Preston North End deserved to take at least a point in the away defeat to Hull City.
Jaden Philogene’s strike for the hosts in the 68th minute was the difference between the sides, but North End had plenty of opportunities to secure a draw or even victory.
PNE were also left frustrated with penalty appeals which were waved away, most notably Alan Browne’s in the 47th minute as he appeared to be brought down by defender Alfie Jones.
Asked how the mood was in the dressing room, Ryan said: “Disappointed really. At worst it should be a point.
“Obviously I think there’s a stonewall penalty on Browney in the second half which should be given and I think it’s a different game if that’s the case.
“I thought there was nothing really in the game, and at worst we should have come away with a point.
“I think towards 60 minutes onwards we were the ones who looked the most threatening but it’s a sucker punch to go from one end to the other that quickly [and concede].
“Maybe it should be stopped, but the kid’s done well to get through and it’s a shot with his left foot. I don’t know if he’s shanked it onto the post and in but it’s a sucker punch really. As I said before, we should have a penalty.
“We were on top there and if we get that penalty I think it’s a different game.”
Following the fantastic start to the campaign which saw North End go the opening eight matches unbeaten, it’s now seven without victory.
They were seconds away from claiming three points against Southampton during the week, but a 96th-minute header meant the points were shared.
“We nearly had one (a win) on Wednesday,” Ryan said. “We were done by a sucker punch on Wednesday night which knocked the stuffing out of us because we should have had three points against Southampton at home.
“Then to come here and put the effort in that we did, at least we should be coming away with a point.
“I think we’ve got to dust ourselves down. We’ve got a massive game against Coventry to get three points and then we’re going into a local derby on a Friday night which we know we’ll be right up for so these next two games before the international break we’re looking to get six points.”