After Rovers failed to hold onto a 2-0 lead as Preston North End fought back to level at the break, despite picking up their first point away from home since November via a 2-2 draw, John Eustace was left spirited with the manner of his team’s performance, as he spoke to RoversTV.
“We’re a little frustrated that we’re not coming away with all three points, but I must say that I’m very proud of the lad’s efforts. Our fans today, were superb and they really helped us get through some tough periods in the game. The level of commitment that the players showed today, was outstanding.
“I thought that they put their bodies on the line against a really physical, direct Preston North End team who are always going to cause you problems. They didn’t really have any clear-cut chances bar their two goals from set-pieces. Overall, I’m really pleased with the efforts we’ve shown today and the way we’ve defended was magnificent. We’re disappointed to concede in the way that we did, but our football at times was excellent today.
“The first half-an-hour, we played some fantastic stuff and scored two brilliant goals, which is what we’ve been working on, on the training field yesterday, which was pleasing. I think the point we gained today is a point in the right direction.
“It was great to see us be better in possession of the ball, especially after Tuesday. I know that this team can play some really exciting football, but the most pleasing aspect for me was the way we stuck together today. The substitutes who came on, were really outstanding and they also put their bodies on the line. That level of commitment was there for everyone to see, and all the lads were fighting and sweating blood for the club.
“We needed such character in big moments, especially after they drew level. At half-time, the lads got together and knew what they had to do. The way they rolled their sleeves up in that second-half and limited Preston to hardly anything was really pleasing. The disappointing thing is that, whenever we won the ball back, there were times where we could have been a bit better with the ball and then we could have had a few more chances, but overall, I was happy with the efforts.
“I was hoping we’d have that one chance to nick the game. That’s the level of quality that we showed in the first-half and we need to add in the second. It wasn’t to be today, but the level of commitment and desire to keep the ball out of our net to come away with a point was clear for everyone to see.
“We have some great attacking quality in this team. We have three, four, five real top forwards. We can play them in behind, have them link play up, they can do a lot. To get Gally – (Sam Gallagher) – another goal today was really pleasing. It’s important that he feels the confidence and the love from everyone, because he’s a top player at this level and I’m delighted to be working with him. To get 95 minutes out of him today was really pleasing, because I don’t think he’s done that for a long time. We’re pushing the players’ boundaries and it’s showing the level of commitment that the group have.
“It’s very important that we get our set-pieces right in the future. We’re so disappointed with the two goals we’ve conceded because they came at a time where they were putting us under pressure. I expected to see those situations out safely, but again, I’m learning about the group. We’re disappointed, but the second-half commitment and desire they showed was really pleasing.
“I think John (Fleck) took a bad kick in the calf, so we have to assess that tomorrow. John’s come in with huge experience and I’ve been a big admirer of him over the years with what he did at Sheffield United. He’s a top player. I thought it would be important for him to get through this local derby with his adrenaline and his experience and with the way he started, that was very evident. We’re disappointed to lose him, but young (Jake) Garrett came on and got some good minutes and experience. Overall, that’s good for his development and we’re left with a really good point.
“It’s been a hectic first week in the job, but I’m really pleased with the response today after a disappointing result on Tuesday. I have to credit the fans who were outstanding, and they got us through some difficult moments; their support was vital. It’s important that we go into every game together. You could feel that togetherness with the fans and the players today as they remained one throughout the whole 95 minutes.
“We’ve got to keep adding points. This is the Championship. It’s Saturday-Tuesday schedule is relentless. It’s important that we keep picking points up and try to get to 50 points as soon as we can.”
