Preston North End boss Alex Neil frustrated by loss to Middlesbrough

Preston North End manager Alex Neil felt defeat to Middlesbrough at Deepdale was harsh on his side.

The 3-2 reverse on New Year's Day was their first loss in 10 games, it coming after they had held a 2-1 lead at half-time.

Daniel Ayala put Boro in front in the 13th minute, Callum Robinson equalising straight away with a header from Tom Barkhuizen's cross.

Jordan Hugill then gave North End the lead in the 40th minute, Barkhuizen putting a header against the bar soon after that.

But the contest swung Boro's way with two goals in eight second-half minutes, Jonny Howson levelling with a fine finish from the edge of the box before Ayala headed his second of the contest.

Neil said: "I don’t even think a draw would have been a fair result, I thought we deserved to win the game.

"We had 20 shots at goal, we moved the ball really well in the first half and created lots of chances.