JONATHAN Woodgate is adamant Steve Cook will "bounce back" from his costly error at Deepdale, adding: "He's been absolutely fantastic in the games I've been here."

With Cherries 1-0 up against Preston North End thanks Arnaut Danjuma's first-half strike, the hosts rallied in the second period.

And their pressure told with an equalising goal with 20 minutes to play.

Captain Cook attempted to clear downfield, but inadvertently presented the ball at the feet of Daniel Johnson.

The midfielder drove forwards and into space created by centre-back duo Cook and Cameron Carter-Vickers, before curling expertly into the bottom corner.

The game ended 1-1, a result which sees Cherries drop out of the Championship play-off spots.

Discussing Preston's equalising goal, Woodgate told the Daily Echo: "Steve Cook’s been top drawer for me this season. You make a mistake and you get punished for it.

"Cookie will bounce back from it, there’s no shadow of a doubt about that. But yeah, disappointed we didn’t put the game to bed.

"It is frustrating. He will bounce back.

"There will be no-one as disappointed as he is. He’s been absolutely fantastic in the games I’ve been here.

"He’s been a leader, so he’ll bounce back."

After a hectic run of fixtures, Woodgate now has a free week to prepare his side before Barnsley visit Vitality Stadium next Saturday.

Cherries are on a three-game unbeaten run after wins against Watford and Bristol City before the draw at Preston.

But the Tykes leapfrogged Cherries today and now sit a place and a point above them in the standings.

Asked how nice it will be to have a full week on the training ground with his squad for the first time since taking charge last month, Woodgate said: "It would’ve been better if we had nine points going into it.

"We’ll take the positives. There’s going to be plenty more twists and turns.

"There’s 11 games to go, 33 points to play for."