EDDIE Howe delivered a forthright assessment of Cherries’ EFL Cup defeat to Preston and admitted his team had let the home supporters down.

Cherries were beaten 3-2 in extra-time by the Championship side, Simon Makienok’s hat-trick proving the Lilywhites’ star turn.

The much-changed hosts had led 2-1 in the closing stages of normal time thanks to a Lewis Grabban penalty – his first goal since rejoining the club – and Dan Gosling’s close-range strike.

But inspired frontman Makienok equalised late and then grabbed the winner in second-half stoppage-time.

Howe, who made 11 changes for the tie, said: “It was very disappointing from start to finish. It was unlike us in terms of the performance, that’s what disappoints me the most.

“I thought we were lethargic. The technical level was very low. We didn’t play with our usual energy and enthusiasm and we got what we deserved.

“From my perspective, I don’t give these opportunities lightly. I give them because I believe in the players.

“Very early in the game I think it was very evident there was something not quite right with us. Our normal rhythm, our speed with the ball, our decision-making was not right.

“Ultimately, as manager, I have to take responsibility for that. I’m the one that trains the players and picks the team.

“I’ve got no problem shouldering that responsibility but I’m very frustrated and disappointed.

“It disappoints me immensely that we are in front of our own supporters and we haven’t given them value for money.

“I think we’ve let them down. We will endeavour to put it right.”

Put to him that the performance had been unlike Cherries’ usual displays, Howe added: “That’s the thing that baffles me because we work with a clear philosophy and identity. We want to see that hit every game.

“The result is always difficult to predict and get but you want to see certain patterns of play and work off the ball, the desire to win the game and impress people.

“That has to be there and if it’s not there then the team has issues.”

Defender Tyrone Mings made his first competitive appearance for Cherries since August last year having recently returned to fitness following a serious knee injury.

Howe said: “I thought Tyrone did okay. I think he still has more work to do to get back to his best levels but that’s to be expected with the length of time he’s been out and the minimal game time he’s had.

“I wanted to play him tonight, I think it was an important step for him.”

Reflecting on Grabban ending his goal drought, Howe added: “You want your strikers to score and he scored the penalty, which was good to see, and made an assist.

“Overall, it’s difficult for me to sit here and find positives after the supporters have watched that like I have.

“I don’t want to fluff over what I’ve seen. I think it’s important I’m very honest. Ultimately, we’re very disappointed with what we’ve seen.”