Preston called upon forgotten man Paul Hayes to rescue a point last night away at fellow strugglers Doncaster, hopes of a great escape for North End are fading with just five games remaining.
Doncaster took the leed through former northender Brian Stock with a strike from the edge of the box.
Hayes then headed in the equaliser after Tottenham Hotspur loanee Bongani Khumalo's shot had hit the bar.
North End remain second bottom, seven points off safety, while Rovers stay two places above the drop zone.
The result doesnt really help Preston, it was an end to end match, far from a relegation battle, flowing football produced that you would expect at the top end of the division, not the bottom.
Doncaster started well Stock's first-time pass found full back George Friend inside the area. Friend let rip with a spectacular effort that had Preston goalkeeper Iain Turner scrambling across goal to tip over.
Preston worked and worked to stop the threat of the pacey doncaster outfit whilst playing a sharp counter attacking game causing real problems for the rovers defence.
Preston star man Iain Hume linked up well with irish man Keith Treacy on the 35th minute, were North End should have took a well deserved lead. Treacy's volley from Hume's left-wing cross was cleared by Woods falling straight into the path of the tricky striker Eddie Johnson for him only to fire into the side netting. Preston were starting to look the more likely.
Doncaster came within inches of opening the scoring when a James O'Connor's cross skimmed off Barry Nicholson's head, forcing ian Turner into a wonderful reaction save.
Preston then had a stone wall penalty claim turned down by referee Scott Mathieson,O'Connor's clumsy slide tackle on American forward Eddie Johnson left Preston's players furious, non more so than manager Phil Brown.
Moments later Simon Gillett's measured pass caught out Preston's back line, leaving former preston man Stock free to drive a shot into the top left hand corner. Preston fans feared the worst.
Preston had to change things. Phil Brown called upon former Scunthorpe striker and forgotten man Paul Hayes who with his first touch headed a quick-fire equaliser.
Bongani Khumalo's shot rattled the woodwork it was Hayes who was on hand to bravely head home the rebound from an almost impossible angle.
Preston will feel it was a missed chance to close the gap. As time is running out to save their championship status.
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