Frankie McAvoy makes admission about Derby County draw | OneFootball

Preston boss Frankie McAvoy has apologised to the family of Trevor Hemmings for not picking up a valuable win over Derby, telling the Lancashire Evening Post that he is ‘sorry we never got you the win.’

Saturday’s fixture for Preston against Derby was an important one in the calendar, as it marked the first game for the Lilywhites since the passing of their owner Trevor Hemmings earlier in the week.

PNE then were understandably desperate to pick up the three points both to get back to winning ways and to also commemorate the work that their owner did in keeping the side alive and running smoothly on a day-to-day basis. With flatcaps in tow and a fitting tribute before the game, the stage was set for the side to go out and get a result.

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However, Preston instead had to settle for a 0-0 draw and yet another lone point rather than the three. Only their opponents at the weekend and Millwall now have as many draws as the Lilywhites and after an Emil Riis chance late in the second half, McAvoy will feel his side could have won the game and has claimed he is ‘sorry’ that his team couldn’t pick up the win for Trevor Hemmings and his family.

Speaking to the Lancashire Evening Post, McAvoy said: “I would like to say to everybody, to the Hemmings family I’m sorry we never got you the win, I was hoping we could have done.

“I was bitterly disappointed with the first-half performance. We have another game on Wednesday night at home and we need to prepare better, be ready to go from the kick-off, try and show everyone we are here to win as many games for Preston North End.”

PNE struggled to assert themselves against Derby and it was instead left to some heroics from on-loan goalkeeper Daniel Iversen to keep them in the game. The Lilywhites then had that Riis chance to try and snatch all three points from them, only for the striker to fumble and have his effort saved.

A point is a point but boss Frankie McAvoy will now be hoping that his team can perform to a higher level in midweek against Coventry. If they do, then they could upset the odds and get three points on the board. If they can’t get firing against the Sky Blues on Wednesday though, then they may find themselves sliding down the table even more – and the pressure might be on Frankie McAvoy going forward with PNE.

The Verdict

Preston have struggled so far this year and are finding it difficult to turn draws into wins. They either defend solidly but can’t find their feet in attack or go in firing but then ship even more at the other end.

After the showing against Derby, Frankie McAvoy will certainly want a quick response and a positive result. He was no doubt unhappy with his side’s showing despite the draw, especially due to the fact it was such an important fixture. He’ll definitely be trying to get a response out of his players in midweek – and it could prove to be another crucial fixture as it could either start the club’s campaign or put pressure on the Lilywhites manager.