Grayson’s one that got away

SIMON GRAYSON was left counting the cost of missed chances as Preston’s play-off push faltered.

North End currently lie eighth in the table, six points behind sixth-placed Fulham with seven games to go.

Britt Assombalonga calmly fired Zach Clough’s pass beyond keeper Chris Maxwell to give Forest a 1-0 lead at Deepdale – but Everton loanee Aiden McGeady equalised after the break.

And Grayson was left to rue his side’s lack of clinical edge in front of goal.

“We started the game very brightly with some good opportunities,” he said.

“We just didn’t take them when the opportunities came along.

“But then you’ve got to give Forest credit for what a good team they are. They passed it around, caused us a lot of problems.

“We changed the system and personnel at half-time and we were certainly the better team in the second half.

“We looked like we could go and win it.”

Forest are now two points and two places above the Championship relegation zone.

But rather than be satisfied with the point, boss Mark Warburton believes his troops could have pinched victory.

“As the game wore on, we looked fit, we looked strong, and created chances of our own,” he said.

“It says something for the quality of the squad, they’re disappointed to be going away feeling we’ve dropped two points as opposed to earning a point.

“There’s no doubt about the quality within the ranks, there’s no doubt about their work ethic and their desire.

“It’s just a little bit of belief to know how good they can be.

“We’ve just got to push on. Without being rude to anyone, it’s about Forest.

“We can’t control anything away from us, so all the focus now has to go on to another tough away trip to Wolves.” Possession Shots On Target Shots Off Target Blocked Shots Corners Fouls Conceded Offsides Yellow Cards Red Cards 41% 59% 4 5 3 7 2 7 4 1 10 10 1 2 3 3 0 0