I really wouldn't have called the performance abject myself. Disappointing yes. Were Preston actually any better? Sod all in it, albeit from a sofa view rather than a stadium view.
I think the mental aspect needs to be taken into account too, as well as the necessary rejig due to loss of players.
The draw with Sheff left us looking short for the play offs and we then had an international break of 2 and a half weeks, the clocks went forward and we then played the form team that's gunning for promotion and full of confidence, and got walloped. We then go to Deepdale without Stewart, Gabriel and Sterling, and huff and puff, but that edge isnt there. The season has died, for the squad of players dreaming of the play offs.
It's fine margin stuff and these factors were against us I reckon. The players tried but weren't driven like they were a few weeks ago. No prize to shoot for.
And, even when there was, we were critically short of some quality in midfield and a first choice striker that owns the shirt. Maybe selling Bowler would help acquire what we need.