Paul Heckingbottom admitted Preston’s failure to convert chances into goals made their Carabao Cup task to beat League Two Barrow more difficult than it needed to be.
Charlie Raglan’s second-half headed own goal was enough to sent North End into the second round, with manager Heckingbottom’s preferred next opponents: “Whoever makes us the most money.”
The Championship outfit created 22 shots but managed only five on target during Tuesday night’s clash at Holker Street.
“My only criticism is we needed to be more critical,” said Heckingbottom. “We probably had better chances after we went 1-0 up to put the game to bed.
“When you don’t do that, Barrow had opportunity because we knew they wouldn’t lie down.
“And as much as we want to be good seeing games out, we would rather kill the game with a second or third goal.”
Former Cheltenham and Oldham defender Raglan headed substitute Ben Whiteman’s long ball past Ben Winterbottom, with the goalkeeper stranded close to the edge of his area after 66 minutes.
It was tough luck on debutant Winterbottom, who produced a series of fine saves to keep the Cumbrians on level terms.
But it was far from a one-sided contest as Andy Whing’s side looked to shake off two opening fourth-tier defeats.
But boss Whing said: “I thought our endeavour and application was outstanding. I was proud of everyone.
“I thought we were in the ascendancy before the own goal. But there was a lack of communication and maybe ‘Rags’ should have dealt with it a bit better.”
