Robins impress at Preston but can't find that finishing touch

Talking points from Bristol City's draw against Preston at Deepdale, by Dan Carter

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As the ball travelled past the Preston post in the fourth minute of second-half stoppage time, Ross McCrorie managed to perfectly sum up the feelings of almost every Bristol City supporter packed into the Deepdale away end in just a couple of actions.

Having seen Anis Mehmeti denied by Daniel Iversen from close range with less than a minute to be played, the Scotsman's head was quickly in his hands as he was left in a state of surprise. McCrorie then twice threw his arms in frustration, only to then give the Albanian international an affectionate rub on the head, all in the space of just three or four seconds.

The winger stood inside the penalty area with his hands on his hips for a moment, donning a facial expression that said what everyone in the ground was thinking: 'How on earth?' With just seconds left on the clock, City had carved out the perfect ending to an excellent away display, only for it to slip through their fingers.

From minute one, the Robins had produced the sort of reaction Gerhard Struber and Jason Knight had called for in the wake of their first defeat of the season, against Oxford. They pressed high, interchanged well in possession, and limited Paul Heckingbottom's side to half-chances. Though they headed into the break with the scores level, City were the side on top.

The second half followed a similar pattern as Struber's side continued to ask questions of the Lilywhites' backline, but this time their showing was rewarded with the chances it warranted. On this occasion, though, those opportunities came and went without that all-important goal.