Matt Craddock felt his side paid the price for not getting their noses in front as they made a losing start to their Central League campaign.
The B Team were beaten 2-0 in their opener at Euxton as a strong North End side boasting plenty of first-team experience struck twice in the second half.
Wing-back Josh Seary – who made his senior Preston debut in the League Cup earlier this month – scored twice after Wanderers had their chances to go ahead before the break.
“I thought in the first half we were very good and created some good chances when you would have liked to have worked the goalkeeper, if not scored,” said B Team boss Craddock.
“It you don’t take them eventually it does break down and if you’re up against strong side, like they had, and you don’t get a goal they will come back into the game.
“I thought we had the better first half and they had the better second half and made it count.
“To come up against that calibre of player and to come in at half-time, probably having the better chances at 0-0, I thought we had done well. But eventually the quality comes in and you tire and one mistake leads to a goal.”
North End included former Peterborough and Ipswich keeper Dai Cornell behind a back line made up of senior men Greg Cunningham, Patrick Bauer and Jack Watmough.
Wales international Ben Woodburn was also a threat up front for the hosts as Wanderers’ young side experienced a different kind of test to the one they had faced in playing Manchester City’s U21 side last weekend.
“That’s the variety of the games and it’s brilliant for the lads. It’s frustrating at times but that’s part of development,” added Craddock, who is leading the B Team into their second season.
“We’ve had a really good games’ programme and played nine games already, which is probably five more than last season at this stage.
“I think we’re in a really good spot with the games’ programme. We just need to keep advancing it and keep putting the lads in these difficult situations and they will be better for it all the time.”