Thomas Frank admitted his Brentford side was beaten by the better team after they lost out to Preston North End at Deepdale.

Sean Maguire’s chest-and-finish sent the hosts ahead after just four minutes before Tom Barkhuizen put them two up late on.

Frank openly conceded Preston outplayed Brentford and, although they improved in the second-half, it was ultimately not enough.

He said: “I think that the best team won the game on the day. I think Preston were better than us.

“I think the game was played on their terms, more than on our terms. We didn't control the game well enough.

“We didn't win enough duels and second balls, especially in the middle of the pitch.

“When we had the opportunities to create something, we lacked the quality on the day.

“The second half was better but we were not up there to really threaten the game.”