KAINE Kesler-Hayden admits Preston North End’s equaliser ‘took the wind’ out of Coventry City as the Sky Blues failed to break their Deepdale curse.
Kesler-Hayden played the full 90 minutes against his former club as Coventry drew 1-1 against 10-man Preston in midweek.
After Liam Lindsay saw red for Preston late in the first half a Charlie Hughes own goal put the Sky Blues ahead only for Daniel Jebbison to draw the home side level.
And Kesler-Hayden admits the Sky Blues struggled to respond to Preston’s equaliser despite dominating the game for large periods.
Kesler-Hayden said: “It’s a tough one to take. We were in control of the game and then we get the goal but they scored on the counter and it took the wind out of us.
“We should have come away with all three points. The way we conceded was frustrating. It shouldn’t happen and we’ll look to fix it and analyse it.
“We had our chances. Their keeper did really well to keep them in the game. We had loads of chances, it’s really disappointing not to come away with three points.
“Our home is a fortress, we make it hard for teams that come to the CBS. Hopefully, we can start building again against Bristol City on Saturday.”
The defender made just his third league start of the season at Deepdale after enjoying a productive loan spell with Preston last season.
And Kesler-Hayden feels he is finally building up his match fitness after starting consecutive league games for the Sky Blues for the first time.
Kesler-Hayden added: “It was bittersweet obviously [coming back to Deepdale] because of the way the result went.
“I loved my time here and I’ll always love playing here. Coming back, it was a good welcome from the Preston fans.
“I’m building up match fitness. There’s nothing like playing games to get your fitness in games.
“I’m delighted to play 90 minutes, it’s been quite a while.”
Coventry are next in action against Bristol City on Saturday, December 13 with kick-off at 3pm at the Coventry Building Society Arena.
