'We had the coolest heads' - Heckingbottom

Preston's draw with Sunderland sees them 15th in the Championship

Preston North End manager Paul Heckingbottom was full of praise for his side after their 1-1 draw at Sunderland.

Romaine Mundle's strike four minutes from time rescued a point for the Black Cats after Emil Riis had put Preston ahead.

Heckingbottom admitted he was frustrated to be pegged back, but was proud of his players' performance.

"I'm delighted with the team. They were excellent," he told BBC Radio Lancashire.

"I've said how consistent we've been but the other consistent thing has been not picking up three points when we've been really good.

"That is the story of our season, really. We've got to be better in key positions. We've not been clinical enough, shown enough quality and our decision making [hasn't always been right]. I can't criticise anything tonight."

Heckingbottom also credited his players' strength of character despite conceding late on.

"We were good throughout. Not many teams come here and dominate the ball. I thought we were the coolest heads out there," he added.