Preston North End star fronts up after 'unacceptable' performance in defeat to Portsmouth

Ched Evans admits below-par display against Pompey

Preston North End striker Ched Evans has admitted that his side's performance in their 2-0 defeat to Portsmouth at Deepdale on Saturday was "unacceptable".

Evans, who started the game up front alongside Emil Riis Jakobsen, was replaced by Sean Maguire just after the hour mark as PNE slumped to their second defeat in three games.

The defeat leaves Ryan Lowe's side in 13th place in the League One table, six points off the play-off places, and Evans knows that they need to improve quickly if they are to challenge for promotion this season.

Evans: 'We were second best all over the pitch'

"It was an unacceptable performance from us today," Evans told the club's official website.

"We were second best all over the pitch and we didn't create enough chances to win the game.

"We need to be better than that if we want to achieve our goals this season.

Lowe: 'We need to show more character'

Preston boss Ryan Lowe was also disappointed with his team's performance and he called on his players to show more character.

"We didn't show enough character or quality today," Lowe said.

"We need to be better than that if we want to achieve our goals this season.

"We need to show more character and we need to be more resilient.

PNE back in action on Tuesday

Preston North End will be looking to bounce back from their defeat to Portsmouth when they host Exeter City in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night.

The game at Deepdale will be the first meeting between the two sides since 2003 and it will be a chance for PNE to get their season back on track.