Eustace delivers Blackburn verdict as mentality praised
John Eustace praised Blackburn Rovers’ spirit and mentality after weathering heavy pressure from Preston North End.
Rovers led two-nil after half an hour but conceded twice in four minutes to end up drawing the game 2-2. The hosts had periods of dominance in the second half and put their Lancashire rivals under the cosh.
Rovers weathered that storm and the last third of the contest was very even. Neither side really tested the opposition goalkeeper and a point apiece was a fair reflection of the 90 minutes.
Having developed a reputation for buckling under pressure this season, Eustace was delighted with the response his side showed once it was 2-2.
Although the Rovers head coach was disappointed not to win, and to concede from two set-pieces, he said there were plenty of positives to take from the game.
“I’m very proud of the efforts of the group, I thought the way they dug in was outstanding,” Eustace said.
“There were really difficult moments in the game and that was rewarding. We’re disappointed not to take three points after a quick start.
“The way we started the game was exceptional, in the first half an hour. The game plan worked well, there were a few tired bodies and you could see that with some of the decision-making of individuals at the end of the first half.
“I am disappointed but there are a lot of positives to take out of the game. The way we battled, the way we stuck together, the way we defended a very physical team in Preston.
“They put the ball forward very quickly and this group of players have been questioned throughout the season for that commitment to keep the ball out of the net.
“That was the most pleasing thing for me and it’s a good point against a good team. There are things to work from.
“You never have any divine right to win a game and you have to keep the ball out of your net for 95 minutes. The way we started was exceptional, we stuck to the game plan but we would always have spells under pressure.
“We’re disappointed to concede two goals from set-pieces, it’s been highlighted before. We’ll keep working on that and try to get better. Overall, I am very proud of the efforts of the group.”
On the goals his side scored, via Sam Szmodics and Sam Gallagher, he added: “We have quality players going forward, we kept to the game plan and we knew how we could hurt Preston today,” he said.
“We did that with those goals in the first half an hour.”
