North End completed the season with only one win since the international break. Alex Neil cited after the match that some of the younger players were not able to maintain their previous high levels and the search for more experience will be key int he summer.
For the record Preston went behind in stoppage time in the fist half to a Konsa shot from a corner. Brentford doubled their lead in the second half with a goal from Maupay before Forss completed the scoring with less than ten minutes on the clock.
The game completed a poor end to the season. Preston started the season slowly and ended the season badly. It is true that from October to March Preston were competitive and put a string of results together.
In reality North End were always chasing the top six and in comparison, apart from the Norwch game at home, Preston looked unlikely to take a victory against the sides that finish in the top six.
Neil does need to find a balance between youth and experience. He also has several other issues such as the rate of conceding goals when Pearson is absent and the sole striker issue.
It will take some significant effort to hoist Preston up the table in the top six next year given the budgets of other clubs in the league. It is not impossible but more consistency with results over the whole season will be required.