Right-back Josh Emmanuel felt the Blues would have deserved the three points had Town target Jordan Hugill not netted an 89th minute equaliser which saw Saturday’s game at Preston end 1-1, Tom Lawrence’s latest brilliant strike having given the visitors a first-half lead.

“Slightly disappointed, I felt we were the better team overall, but that’s football isn’t it?” Emmanuel said afterwards.

He added: “It was a good performance and we tried to play a bit more, which I thought we did well, but unfortunately couldn't keep it until the end.

"We just need to keep creating chances, getting the likes of Tom on the ball and things will turn.”

The Blues found themselves under the cosh in the latter stages as Preston went looking for an equaliser, something which was new for Emmanuel, who was making his 14th start for Town in addition to three sub appearances.

“I’m learning, it’s something different for me,” he continued. “It’s good, I like these experiences and I just want to keep improving.”

The 19-year-old Londoner was up against perhaps the toughest opponent of his fledgling senior career in Ireland international Aiden McGeady but he says he relishes such challenges.

“That’s what I want, I want to being playing against supposedly the best wingers and I need to keep improving,” he added.

Elsewhere, Sutton United’s 1-0 victory over Leeds United in the FA Cup fourth round yesterday means Town’s home game against the Whites will take place as planned on Saturday 18th February.

Had Garry Monk’s side progressed then their visit to Portman Road would have moved as fifth round ties are being played that weekend.

Meanwhile, Town’s U23s are face Charlton away this afternoon at Greenwich Borough’s DGS Marine Stadium (KO 1pm).

Photo: Action Images

Sir_Bob added 07:03 - Jan 30 Would love for this lad to get a decent run of games, and not to be dropped when the old favourites want a game.
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martin587 added 07:44 - Jan 30 Josh,I was at the game,and yes we did try to play a bit,but Preston outplayed us for most of the game. We defended ok but were caught out once again by a late sucker punch goal that should have been cleared. Overall it was a slight improvement of late but still a very long way to go. Let's just hope the signings we have and possibly who else come in can improve the squad. The next two games will be very interesting and a good guide as to how the season will pan out.

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cat added 07:55 - Jan 30 I like this guy, we have been screaming for a proper RB for 3 years now and hopefully given the games he will fill this void (proper meaning footballing ability not one of MM bloke types). Maybe MM can take some tips on how to conduct yourself during post match interviews!! although I must admit I did have a laugh at the Dutch aunt. :)
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ChrisFelix added 08:00 - Jan 30 A one goal lead for town is never enough. We were better but that was our different class midfield inspiration was missing
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brian_a_mul added 08:16 - Jan 30 Well done Josh, You are progressing well. I loved the fact MM put his faith and confidence in him to go up against an international winger. Spence would have been a safer bet. He has the pace to stick to the quick wingers up and down the flank, something that was a weakness for us previously. I must say having two energetic RBs (and LBs- Knudsen & Kenlock) is a great asset and has become important in todays game for tactical reasons.

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Surco72 added 08:52 - Jan 30 Do the players actually believe the same as MM ? Didn't go to game as wont attend while MM is still in charge , but I have read numerous reports , heard commentary , listened to Merse's description of game and although improved which was hard not to after last two diabolical outings we didn't deserve to win just because we let in a late goal . They had nearly three times as many shots as us , more corners , more possession in our danger area , more possession overall , and longer time with the ball , we had another wonder goal made from nothing by one player who in all honesty has kept MM in his job . Didn't comment after Saturday but fed up with a different player coming out on Mondays every week telling us we deserved more or are playing well . Also Knudsen is awful loses most 50 - 50 tackles and always to far away from his winger get rid now

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Gcon added 09:29 - Jan 30 So by your own admission you do not attend games however you feel justified in coming on here and proclaiming certain players are awful and we should get rid of them? - The epitome of a TWTD poster.
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dirtydingusmagee added 09:59 - Jan 30 brian a mul, I agree with you, re the full backs, but McCarthy's tactics [for want of a better word] rarely exploit their full potential .
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Surco72 added 10:03 - Jan 30 GCon .... I watched him play numerous times last season and watched the televised games this seasons and all highlights in which he has been at fault for many goals , out of position and in my opinion out of his depth at this level . Rather than just back up MM at any turn and constantly try and belittle others opinions which you do not like argue what makes Knudsen a good player ?

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cat added 10:10 - Jan 30 Gcon- posters like you make me laugh!. I have also decided not to attend anymore more games as the entertainment value and the buzz for me are not there anymore, I will return however when the Dino has gone. Whether you attend games or not (assuming your a regular!!!!) don't make any difference in my book, if you support the town then why not have a say. Match reports etc give you a good indication of what's going on, so why not??????. Different opinions are what makes this site interesting.

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mickymacsbarmyarmy added 10:51 - Jan 30 Reckon he learned how to defend against tricky wingers from his brother who ipswich could, as there looking for non league players do worse..ex Sudbury, Witham & maldon & tiptree player...more skill i& trickery in his little toe than majority of the journey men already in first team at town
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BrettenhamBlue added 11:08 - Jan 30 Bart was MOM, kinda speaks volumes. I really rate Emmanuel but we were dead lucky to get a point from this game, overwhelmed and under siege for most of the second half.
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Cookycrew added 11:30 - Jan 30 I am really getting bored of the MM out comments - Ladies & Gentlemen it is not going to happen at least not until the end of the season - In the here & now we have some really tough games coming up (Derby/Leeds/Villa/Naaaarrrrrich - so please park the MM comments - and instead let's simply get behind the boys. COYB's !!!
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Hegansheroes added 11:38 - Jan 30 Like Cat and many others I will not go to a game whilst Dino is in charge. That is my protest as a true supporter, Gcon will no doubt say I'm a fair weather supporter but I am doing this in (the vain) hope ME sees sense and gets shot of MM &TC as they have taken ITFC to the depths. Without Lawrence and Bart we would be in the bottom 3 IMO. Again another players eems to have been selected to give out the PR spin. No we were not the better team and hanging on in the 2nd half. The current manager and 1st team coaching staff are the worst I have ever had the misfortune to witness at PR. I find I cringe listening to the loutish McCarthy interviews. Please, please go, have some integrity, you ave lost the majority of the fans.

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runningout added 11:48 - Jan 30 don't agree with boycotting games because who the manager is.. John Duncan?.. :-/ .. hope Josh Emmanuel keeps improving and never thinks he's made it, like some of our squad
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brian_a_mul added 12:00 - Jan 30 @dirtydingusmcgee MM has shown willingness to play 3-5-2 with wing backs. 3-5-2 can be very effective with the right players in there. I think his limited midfield (and attacking to a degree) options has made MM very cautious. I think with Diagouraga giving more steel and ability in the middle and also protecting the back three (or 5) it should give much greater balance to this system. Bish/ Lawrence playing in behind a front two could be very nice to watch. I agree with some comments about Knudsen but I do like him energy, work rate and he can improve. I wonder if it's possible to turn him in to a left sided CB 3-5-2 and have Kenlock out wide?

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Palestine added 12:21 - Jan 30 I feel sorry for Knudsen, but even a couple of televised games mean I have seen enough to think this lad struggles in most aspects of the game! Conversely, glad Emmanuel got a game.
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battyblue added 16:52 - Jan 30 MM out
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sereneblue added 17:23 - Jan 30 I think not, young man.
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