Westley praises Preston's persistence

Preston boss Graham Westley paid tribute to the character of his players after North End came from a goal down to draw 1-1 at Oldham.

After Robbie Simpson put the home side in front after 69 minutes, Chris Holroyd levelled for Westley's men. "The overall fact is that we've shown fighting spirit to come from behind and take a point," said Westley, whose side have managed just two victories in the last 15 games. "That hasn't happened a lot this season, but we've got spirit in the team and sometimes that is what you need to grind out a result. "The surface was difficult and it meant a lot of good players on both sides couldn't make a telling contribution. It led to a scruffy sort of game and, being honest, neither side really did enough to win. "I'm disappointed with Oldham's goal because it was a sloppy set-play to concede and then our defending to give Simpson a free header was poor. "But our goal came from one of the rare quality moments and I'm pleased Chris Holroyd scored it. Chris put himself about in the right areas and was aggressive in the right way. He always looked as though he might get a goal and hopefully that will be the first of many."