HUGILL MISS ADDS UP TO A GRAY DAY

NOT even the sight of 4,700 Simon Graysons could inspire Preston to victory at near-neighbours Wigan.

North End marked Grayson’s four-year anniversary in charge by handing their travelling supporters masks of their boss.

But stubborn defending from Wigan coupled with a missed penalty from Jordan Hugill denied Preston a third straight win.

Lilywhites midfielder Alan Browne said: “Our fans got right behind us and I’m just disappointed we couldn’t get the victory for them.

“Seven points from nine in a week is good for any team in our division.

“When you consider the teams we’ve played, we have got some very good results and we want to keep that going.”

It would have been a clean sweep had Wigan keeper Matt Gilks not foiled Hugill from the spot after 10 minutes.

But Browne refused to blame Hugill after the striker failed with the first penalty he had taken.

He added: “A goal changes the shape of a match and it could have been a completely different game. These are big moments in a game which we need to take. But it was a good save so we can’t be too harsh on Jordan.”

Wigan had their own shout when Omar Bogle – who conceded the penalty – was left fuming when appeals were waved away. Latics star Gilks, who signed on an 18-month deal from Rangers on Boxing Day, said: “Thankfully, my save helped us get a point. It’s good to get two clean sheets now in the last two games I’ve started.

“I’m 34, but there’s life in the old dog yet and I’ve still got things to prove to myself.”

Wigan are two points from safety and head to QPR tomorrow night, with Gilks adding: “We can stay up.”

GILKS (WIGAN)