"We conceded three really poor goals": Dean Smith on Norwich defeat to Preston
The Canaries unbeaten run came to an end at home over the weekend
High-flying Norwich were beaten for the first time in 10 games as Preston came away from Carrow Road with a hard-fought 3-2 win.
The visitors, who had only scored four goals all season before this fixture, almost doubled their tally in the space of 90 minutes after going behind to a well-taken early goal from Josh Sargent.
Emil Riis equalised midway through the first half with a powerful header and then put his side ahead early in the second period after a swift break.
Substitute Gabriel Sara equalised for Norwich on 76 minutes with another neat finish but the Lilywhites had the final say soon afterwards as substitute Troy Parrott's cross took a big deflection off Liam Gibbs to deceive Tim Krul.
"We scored early on and should have had the match wrapped up after 20 minutes," said Canaries manager Dean Smith, whose side remain second in the table.
"We had plenty of chances but their keeper has made a couple of good saves and Teemu has put one just wide.
"Then we have conceded three really poor goals. We should have defended the first two better and for the third Tim Krul will probably feel he should have done better, even though it took a big deflection.
"I am annoyed, frustrated and disappointed because to be fair to the lads that is not like us. Preston have not had to work too hard for any of their goals.
"I was also annoyed that Preston were allowed to slow down the game so much and I don't blame them, I blame the officials because they should crack down on that. The referee could have added 20 minutes at the end."
Referee Dean Whitestone also incurred Norwich's wrath for disallowing what would have been a late leveller from Kenny McLean after an off-the-ball incident in the area involving Grant Hanley and Liam Lindsay.
Smith added: "The referee said Grant was holding their player and to be fair he was but there was a lot of grappling going on and Grant was caught by a left hook, which was missed by the officials."