Steve Bruce relieved after Aston Villa secure draw

Posted Wednesday, February 21, 2018 by PA

Steve Bruce admitted he was a relieved manager after Aston Villa struggled to a 1-1 Championship home draw against a Preston side making a strong challenge for the play-offs.

Bruce said Villa were indebted to an enthusiastic performance from newcomer Lewis Grabban, who put some belated sparkle into his side with a 66th-minute penalty which cancelled out Tom Barkhuizen’s 37th-minute opener.

Grabban, a second-half substitute, played with plenty of verve to make amends for what had been a miserable Villa display against a workmanlike Preston team now only two points off a top-six place.

Bruce said: “We found it difficult against a really good Championship team. They have a good work ethic, good players and in this league they are a threat for anyone.

“It is fair to say we found it difficult in the first half but in the second half we could have won the match with the best pass and best quality of the match but Keinan Davis didn’t take the chance.”

The Villa manager said he made mixed views on the vital penalty, which was given when Davis went down in the box.

Bruce said: “My initial reaction was it was a soft penalty but I’ve seen it on the video and the referee and linesman have got it spot on.

“Grabban grabbed the ball and took the penalty. He is going to prove a decent signing for us and he did fantastically well. Villa Park did not faze him and he enjoyed the occasion.”

Bruce added: “All of a sudden we have a difficult Villa Park pitch at the moment. I’ve never seen it in such condition but we eventually got something out of the game despite missing several creative players through injury. Without them we have found it difficult.”

Preston boss Alex Neil was a little disappointed with the outcome.

The Scot said: “I thought we were the better side over the 90 minutes. It was disappointing and frustrating that it was a soft penalty which enabled Villa to get back into the game. I didn’t think it was the right decision.

“We dominated the match and I thought my players were magnificent. The only criticism I have is that despite the number of chances we created we scored only one goal.

“I thought we performed very well and our shape was excellent. In terms of performance I was extremely proud of my team and I thought Preston were unlucky on the night.

“Personally, I thought the penalty was a hammer blow as I couldn’t see Villa getting back into the game.

“If we continue to perform as we did against Villa and convert our chances then there is no reason why we shouldn’t have a strong end of season.”