The Lilywhites took the lead within the opening five minutes before James Collins equalised on the stroke of half-time from the penalty spot.

Preston stole a late winner through ex-Hatter Jayden Stockley to take them third in the league and Jones had this to say on the afternoon’s performance.

“On 80 minutes Harry Cornick runs through to make it 2-1 and I think Pelly had a good chance as it comes back to him as well,” the manager said. “It’s a very different game then and I think where we are at the minute, that’s probably how it goes.

“I just spoke to Alex Neil there and he said they were third or fourth bottom this time last year. He said that’s exactly where you stand, so we’ve got to fight and earn the right to be in a stronger position next season. I know where we are and I don’t want to lose football matches because a draw was a fair result today, there was nothing in the game at all.

“Remember these (Preston) have gone third now. This is some away ground to come to and we had a right go, we competed and I let them know that was what I wanted more than anything today, because Stoke was very, very disappointing.

“I changed the shape and got a massive reaction from the group so that aspect is satisfying because if we continue with that and I will never let it drop. I’ve told the players you need to police it, don’t ever let it drop again, which is minimum requirement. Then I know to step forward and I know we will get results away from home.”