Howe: We were second best

AFC Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe was disappointed with his side following the defeat to Preston.

The Cherries lost 2-0 at Deepdale on Saturday with goals from former Cherries transfer target Stuart Beavon and Bailey Wright during the opening half an hour.

AFC Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe made numerous changes to the side before and during the game, but his side just couldn't find their way back into the game.

Howe brought in new loan signing Marcos Painter at left back, which gave Matt Ritchie his first chance to shine in his favoured position of right wing since his move from Swindon.

With Marc Pugh returning from illness, the Cherries were all set up for attacking wing play with both Brett Pitman and Lewis Grabban up front with Shaun MacDonald returning to central midfield alongside Harry Arter.

But after falling two goals behind, Pugh was withdrawn and the formation was altered with O'Kane going into midfield and Pitman dropped to left wing.

At half time Painter was withdrawn and Fogden came on, indicating a second change in systems with a three man defence and Fogden and Ritchie operating at wing backs.

Ten minutes later and it was all change again with Arter off and Tubbs on as Howe threw three strikers at the home defence, but the Cherries failed to find the breakthrough and Preston, rejuvenated by the sacking of Westley took the points.

Howe told BBC Radio Solent...

'We weren't at our best today, no doubt about that. We were second best, which is really difficult for me to say because it hasn't happened yet.

'We were slow out the traps, we conceded two poor goals, and we never really had any concerted pressure on their goal...'

'...We're delighted where we are (in the league), but we're disappointed with today and we've got to try and make sure we respond in the right fashion.'


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