Peter Taylor felt mixed emotions after seeing Gillingham slip to defeat in his first game back.

While he felt there was every reason to be optimistic he also saw a number of things that needed improving.

“There were some good bits and some disappointing bits,” said Taylor.

“We were playing against a team with two very capable strikers but overall I was very pleased. At times we passed the ball well and created some decent chances that on another day may have gone in.

"There were some positives and of course there were certain things that maybe I wasn’t pleased with and certain players that could have done better."

One thing that didn’t please Taylor was the opening goal, early in the second half.

Preston got in on Gillingham’s goal from a routine throw.

“They got their chance too easily but it was also extremely unlucky with the way (the shot) was deflected,” he said.

“I think the ball was going to go straight to the goalkeeper but it got deflected and went into an empty net.”

The Gills went close themselves before Preston doubled their advantage. Danny Kedwell’s header late on made for a tense finish.

Taylor said: “I said to the players, no dropping of the head, because we could have got some goals and fair play to Preston for getting their bodies in the way.

“I thought we finished off alright and Preston are going to be there or thereabouts.”

Taylor has worked with the players for just three days but was happy with some of his ideas they had taken onboard.

“I just asked them to be a little bit unpredictable when they have the ball, in respect of not playing the ball the same way,” he said.

“We wanted them to pass it short, pass it long, and I think at times they did that well and they passed with patience. At times I felt we could have got the ball forward a little bit quicker.

“We have had three days putting certain things into them and in that respect I think they did great.

“It could have been a point (in the end), which would have been a much happier evening, because I think the way the players played I think they could have deserved a point. “