James Morrison felt 'sloppy' West Brom 'gifted PNE lifeline'
Albion head coach James Morrison could not hide his frustration from the 1-1 draw at Championship basement boys Preston.
Boss James Morrison was left irritated his “sloppy” Albion side wasted numerous presentable opportunities in the final third at Preston.
The Baggies had to come from behind yet again but made do with a point as substitute Aune Heggebo fired an equaliser eight minutes from time in stormy conditions at Deepdale.
It is the sixth game on the spin Albion have fallen behind, something Morrison agreed was a concern. But the head coach was disappointed his side had not taken the game away from Championship basement boys Preston, who arrived into the clash low on form and confidence.
Albion did not work goalkeeper Daniel Iversen enough, with just five shots on target from 20 in all. That total was lower in a first half featuring good approach play but woeful final execution before Morrison made a double change, including Heggebo, on the hour.
"I thought we were in control for large periods,” Morrison said. “I felt we weren't very good at the top end of the pitch and I felt we weren't clinical enough, how we were last week where I felt we were really good in the final third.
"Today I thought we didn't have enough spark at the top end of the pitch.
"Yes (the conditions) are too easy an excuse. I actually enjoyed watching us in some stages.
"I felt we were getting into lots of opportunities but we weren't creating anything. We were sloppy. We had the opportunity to score but we didn't have it in us today. I felt we took the easy option and when it's 0-0 they've always got an opportunity.
"And the goal - we don't get them. We seem to gift goals, which is worrying.”
As well as falling behind, another of fifth-placed Albion’s Achilles heels this season is set-pieces, where they have failed to threaten all term.
And Preston skipper Andrew Hughes was allowed to turn in a poor, low uncleared corner 12 minutes from time to edge Graham Alexander’s side ahead.
It made it eight times in 12 league games this season Morrison’s men have fallen behind in games. Seven points from a possible nine have been claimed, however, of late from behind.
Albion’s boss added: "Yes (it's a concern), but obviously the lads showed good character again to wake up.
"But we should've been out of sight really - or it should've been a 1-0 away performance.
"They (Preston) are searching for something and we shouldn't have gifted it them. We gifted them a lifeline today, I felt.”
"We were dominant in the first half without threatening the goal,” Morrison continued. “They came with a response (after half-time), a couple of shots from outside the box but not really worrying.
"I felt like we needed the change after that 10-minute spell but with opportunities again it was just sloppy. We go a goal down and it's like 'alright' - and credit to the lads, they came back again."