Preston North End (H) Foster's Reaction

After Argyle lost 1-0 at home to Preston North End on Saturday, head coach Ian Foster pinpointed two incidents which defined the course of the game.

One, naturally, was the deciding goal. Argyle failed to deal with a cross from the Preston left flank, which eventually found its way to substitute Liam Millar, who slammed.

In the same penalty area, late in the second half, Ryan Hardie ran on to a header by Joe Edwards, and went down under a challenge. Many in green called for a penalty kick, but no decision was forthcoming, and the game concluded with Argyle losing to a single goal.

“There are two big moments in the game. Their goal, we're disappointed with in terms of the manner of how we defended it.  Then, the ‘penalty’ at the other end; it’s a clear foul on Ryan Hardie. The referee’s right there and decided not to give it, which is a blow to us.

“We're desperately trying to pick up points in this division; today was an opportunity for us to do that. It's a game, possession-wise, that we’ve dominated, but unfortunately for us, we just haven't created the chances that would have put us in a position to get points from the game.

“We didn't deserve to go in behind. It wasn't a game we were suffering in at any point. We were in control of the game without creating the obvious chances, so bitterly disappointed at half-time to go in behind.

“We just haven't managed to create the chances that we ought to have in the second half. That's my responsibility to do that. The players are trying; they're working hard, they fought to the final whistle, and will continue to do that. I'm sure if we do, we'll continue to pick up points.”

Foster made two notable changes early in the second half, switching Lino Sousa on for Mickel Miller at left wing-back, and then withdrawing central defender Julio Pleguezuelo to bring on attacking midfielder Alfie Devine.

Explaining the switches, Foster said: “Mickel’s was an injury. He picked up a knock in the first half. During half-time, he thought he was well enough to continue, but he just felt it early in the second half, so we had to make that change with Lino.

“The shape change was to try to overload them in central areas and create chances. It was something that we did up at Blackburn that worked for us. Unfortunately for today, we've not managed to get that opportunity to get the equaliser.

“We'll try and find a way of getting a result in the next game, which is the most important thing for us.

“We're all desperately disappointed with today's results. The buck stops with me. I take responsibility for that. The players continue to work as hard as they possibly can and are desperate as we all are to get results for the club. We know how important it is.”