Walt a day for five-star Latics

SHELL-SHOCKED Birmingham face the added misery of a possible

12-point deduction for breaking spending rules – but there was no sympathy from Preston boss Alex Neil.

As Blues wait for the EFL’s punishment for breaching Financial Fair Play regulations, Neil was uncompromising in his response.

After his side grabbed a vital three points with their last-gasp winner, the Scot said: “If you don’t want to be upset, don’t break the rules. All teams need a level playing field.”

His comments will go down like a lead balloon with Blues fans, who would see their side plunged into a relegation dogfight.

Preston chalked up their

12th game without defeat – a run which has included eight wins – and goal hero Sean Maguire reckons their never-say-die attitude is the key to a late promotion charge.

The Republic of Ireland international, 24, nodded the winner to break the hearts of the visitors.

Maguire said: “The tremendous belief in our camp will push us into the top six.

“We might have Leeds, Sheffield United and West Brom still to play, but that’s good.

“We have no fear of anyone and we play our best football against such teams.”

Blues boss Garry Monk felt “hurt and frustrated” after his side’s fourth consecutive defeat.

But he said: “I’m not stressing about the EFL hearing. It will be as it is. I have no control over it.”

Birmingham midfielder Maikel Kieftenbeld said: “It’s been a tough week. We have had to regroup mentally and physically.

“We have talked about the possible points deduction but you have to get on with playing. We gave it all against Preston and we should have won.”