“A lot of people from top to bottom of this club work long hours to give them the best possible environment to produce their best when they cross the white line.

“Today too many didn’t bring along their B game, let alone their A game. We were flat-footed and played reactively instead of proactively.

“We lacked confidence and character all over the pitch. That is not the sort of Bristol City performance I want to see and I have to take stock of everything during the international break.

“I still have faith in my players, but that was nowhere near good enough and places are up for grabs. Somehow we have to get our spark back.

“We remain in mid-table, not far off the play-off positions, so it certainly isn’t a crisis, but that doesn’t stop the hurt I am feeling.”

Robinson marked his 150th appearance for Preston by tapping in at the far post after a penetrating burst into the box and cross from the right by Daniel Johnson.

The striker was an elusive runner throughout and his goal was enough to settle a low-key contest of few chances, deservedly giving North End the points against a side they seem to love playing against.

City have not beaten them in a league game at Ashton Gate since 2010 and there was never much sign of the jinx being broken.

Preston boss Alex Neil said: “It was the perfect away performance from the team. This is a tough place to come and we have been as comfortable as I could have hoped.

“Now we can go into the international break with real momentum, looking up the table, rather than over our shoulders.

“I didn’t think Callum Robinson had worked hard enough in our previous game and told him so afterwards.

“He is a real team player and when he puts as much effort in as he did today he is a real handful to deal with.

“But all over the field we had good performances. It was probably Daniel Johnson’s best game since I took charge and defensively we were very sound.

“Bristol City are a good side, but we restricted them to virtually no scoring opportunities. There is plenty to build on and we can look forward with confidence to the rest of the season.”

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