Preston North End's wretched 2021 continued last night with a 2-0 defeat away at Middlesbrough - and it has put the pressure on manager Alex Neil even more.

The Lilywhites have won just three times this year and Neil was looking for a response after a very disappointing performance in a 1-0 weekend loss to the Championship's bottom side Wycombe Wanderers.

Fans have blamed Neil for some of his selections and tactics recently, but there's not much he could have done to change what happened in the first half.

North End played well in the opening moments but went behind to a comical own goal from Jordan Storey, who sliced Yannick Bolasie's cross into his own net.

PNE then saw captain Alan Browne sent off for kicking out at Sam Morsy, with the Egyptian landing two elbows on the Ireland international beforehand that went unseen by referee Oliver Langford.

Neil was sent off at half time for his protestations, and then Boro sealed the win early in the second half through substitute Marcus Tavernier.

 

 

 

 

Neil - managing from the stands after his sending off - used all five substitutes in the second half but didn't bring on Everton loanee Anthony Gordon, a decision that puzzled North End fans who believe he is their most exciting player.

And the Scot's post-match comments on why he chose not to give the teenager some minutes only infuriated supporters more, saying that his style of play would not have suited featuring against Neil Warnock's men and that the winger takes 'too many touches'.

North End fans have been reacting to this comment on Twitter and they're not happy to say the very least.