Jim Magilton felt his side did enough to have got a least a point at Deepdale but said individual mistakes cost Blues the game.
Tommy Miller carried on his scoring streak against Preston with a brace but a Callum Davidson penalty and goals from Jon Parkin and Stephen Elliott gave North End the points.
"When you score two goals away from home you probably expect to get something from the game and I thought we did enough to have got at least a point," said the Town boss.
"I'm disappointed we didn't get three, let alone one point. The three goals we conceded were terrible to be honest, individual mistakes and the lads concerned have held their hands up.
"I had no complaints over the penalty at the start. Alex {Bruce} got caught on the wrong side but it kickstarted us and we got a terrific goal from Tommy and I thought we played some good stuff.
"Then we gift them a second goal from a punt downfield before half-time and the third goal, people didn't do their jobs from a corner.
"Tommy's got another wonderful goal and we had enough chances to have got level at least. Kevin Lisbie came on and was lively for us. He hit the post and had a great chance that the 'keeper saved. He could have had a hat-trick on another day.
"It's very frustrating because there were a lot of positives to take from the game but we have come away with nothing to show.
"We passed the ball well, took the game to the opposition and created chances. There was so many good aspects to our game and we've left the game with a lot of plaudits but with no points and that's very frustrating for the players and myself."
