Town target Jordan Hugill netted an 89th minute equaliser for Preston as the Blues drew 1-1 at Deepdale, Tom Lawrence having given the visitors a first-half lead with another brilliant strike.

New loan signing Toumani Diagouraga was handed his Town debut in the centre of midfield alongside Cole Skuse as Mick McCarthy made five changes to the team which lost 2-0 at Huddersfield last week.

Bartosz Bialkowski returned in goal with Dean Gerken back on the bench, while Josh Emmanuel was at right-back in a four-man defence with Jordan Spence and Paul Digby dropping to the bench.

Andre Dozzell was left out of the 18, while Grant Ward started on the right of midfield with Tom Lawrence on the left. Brett Pitman returned to the side alongside Freddie Sears up front.

David McGoldrick and Teddy Bishop were both among the subs having recovered from hamstring and ankle injuries respectively.

New signing Danny Rowe was at the game but wasn’t involved, while Steven Taylor’s international clearance is yet to come through and the former Newcastle man is unlikely to be available before Saturday’s home game with Reading.

In heavy rain on a very slippery pitch, Preston midfielder Daniel Johnson hit the game’s first shot over the bar from just outside the area in the second minute following a corner.

The Lilywhites put the Blues under some early pressure with Town taking several attempts to clear the danger.

Hugill, understood to have been the subject of a rebuffed £2 million bid from the Blues this week, threatened for the first time in the seventh minute when Aiden McGeady, who had made a lively start, found him with an excellent cross from the left but the former Port Vale man headed just over from six yards.

Preston full-back Marnick Vermijl picked up the game’s first booking on 14 for a foul on Skuse as the midfielder, who was playing ahead of Diagouraga, broke forward.

Following the freekick, Emmanuel played in Sears on the right and his cross eventually fell to Jonas Knudsen on the left but the Dane’s shot was blocked.

The Blues were starting to get into the game and on 16 they went in front via another contender in Tom Lawrence’s personal Goal of the Season competition.

The on-loan Leicester man cut inside from the left, taking the ball between two defenders as he did so, before smashing a powerful right-foot shot across Lilywhites keeper Chris Maxwell which bulged the inside of the net.

The Welshman’s eighth goal of the season, which even one or two of the home fans applauded, was right up there among the best of what’s becoming one of the outstanding loan spells at Town.

Marked by two opponents? Tight angle? 😮 It doesn't matter to @Official_ITFC midfielder @TomLawrence99! pic.twitter.com/0di3TexWmi– Football On 5 (@FootballOn5) January 28, 2017

Lawrence created an opportunity for Sears on 21 with the Blues having been on top after the goal. The 23-year-old cleverly played the ball into the path of the former West Ham man, who ran on to the edge of the box before hitting a low shot which was too close to Maxwell, who claimed.

Hugill shot wide on 25 then, with Berra and the Preston frontman both grounded following clash of heads, referee Steven Martin allowed play to continue and Paul Gallagher hit a low effort which Bialkowski claimed.

In the 27th minute Hugill showed Shefki Kuqi-esque desire to close down as skipper Luke Chambers played the ball back to Bialkowski and blocked the keeper’s kick.

McGeady shot over on 36 with the home side having a fair bit of the ball but with Bialkowski not having been tested further. Three minutes later, the Irish international sent another effort well over.

On 40 Town went close to adding to their lead when Sears cleverly worked his way in on goal on the left of the box. Vermijl looked to have snuffed out the danger but the one-time Colchester man tenaciously got himself back on the ball and tried to squeeze home between the full-back and keeper Maxwell, who just managed to divert the ball past his post.

Preston almost got back on terms a minute later when Ben Pearson volleyed McGeady’s left-wing cross towards goal but hammered the ball against Hugill and it flew wide. Had it not struck Hugill, Pearson’s shot looked destined to hit the net.

That was the final chance of what had been a fairly even half. Preston had started well but the Blues were playing themselves more into the game when Lawrence slammed home his latest stunner.

From there the Lilywhites looked to take the game to Town but their only real chance was Pearson’s late shot which Hugill blocked, while the Blues looked a danger on the break and Sears was unfortunate not to double their lead having battled hard to eke out his opportunity.

The home side were first to threaten after the break, Gallagher finding Robinson with a clever pass but the midfielder shot straight at Bialkowski.

Kevin Bru replaced the tiring Diagouraga on 58, the Frenchman having put in a solid if unspectacular display on his debut. For Preston Jermaine Beckford took over from Gallagher.

Chances were rare at both ends with the teams largely cancelling one another out but on 70 Pitman curled over from the edge of the box.

Two minutes later, the former AFC Bournemouth man sent strike partner Sears away on the right and the ex-Hammer won a corner from which a loose ball fell to Pitman, who shot over when he will feel he might have done better. Seconds later, the Town number 11 was replaced by McGoldrick.

As the game moved into its final 15 minutes the home side began to get on top and put the Blues under pressure with Bialkowski saving sharply from McGeady after the ex-Everton man had got beyond Knudsen.

Moments later, the Irishman stood up a cross to the far post and skipper Tom Clarke’s header was deflected wide.

Kieffer Moore replaced Sears for the final 11 minutes with the Blues still hanging on to their lead, desperately at times, Berra throwing himself in front of a powerful McGeady strike.

On 87 Bialkowski dropped a cross from the right when under pressure and Beckford hit a shot which was blocked by a defender with the keeper grounded.

Lawrence went looking for his second goal of the game soon afterwards but shot straight at Maxwell.

But Preston continued to put the Blues under pressure and in the 89th minute they equalised. Horgan crossed from the right, the ball took a flick on its way over and, perhaps inevitably, it was Hugill who was there to take a touch and confidently slam home from close range.

There was no time for either side to win it and in the end a draw was probably a fair result on the balance of the match.

Town will have felt they would have done enough to deserve the points had they held on, while Preston will believe they put the Blues under pressure for long spells of the second half and were worthy of a point.

The result sees Town remain 14th in the Championship - 10 points from the relegation zone and 10 points from the play-offs - ahead of Tuesday's home game against Derby and next Saturday's visit by Reading.

Preston: Maxwell, Vermijl (Makienok 78), Clarke (c), Huntington, Spurr, Gallagher (Beckford 65), Pearson, Johnson, McGeady, Robinson (Horgan 58), Hugill. Unused: Lindegaard, Boyle, Browne, May.

Town: Bialkowski, Knudsen, Chambers (c), Berra, Skuse, Diagouraga (Bru 58), Ward, Lawrence, Emmanuel, Pitman (McGoldrick 74), Sears (Moore 80). Unused: Gerken, Bishop, Spence, Digby. Referee: Steven Martin (Staffordshire). Att: 10,656 (Town: 365).

Photo: Action Images

Brownie added 19:58 - Jan 28 I'm not that excited by a point at Preston 'blue boy' but it isn't a bad result. I want a change of manager & if possible a change of owner. I don't see the point though of slamming the manager & players regardless of how they perform or what the result is. I'll hammer them if deserved but not on today. Doesn't change my view of the manager & I haven't got the champagne out on the back of today. I just think a bit of balance in our comments is more valid. COYB!

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ShropshireBluenago09 added 20:13 - Jan 28 To all the Mick haters, which included me up to today...Yes we were awful v Linclon, yes we were poor at Huddersfield but with one or two additions, particularly a striker (not Hugill on todays showing) We can challenge…the new guys look good, Diagouraga was MOM in my opinion. We were very close to an away win against a decent side.
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blueboy1981 added 20:14 - Jan 28 .......... same old minus punchers out again - game after game, week after week. So predictable. Nothing changes there.
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blueboy1981 added 20:23 - Jan 28 ShropshireBluenago09 ............... glad to hear you're that easily pleased / converted .... !!!!!!! - a point gained at Preston and now you're no longer a Mick hater .......... ??? Conveniently confirms the content of my previous post / posts as being totally correct.
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blueboy1981 added 20:25 - Jan 28 Happy Chappies Galore .............. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
0

GiveusaWave added 20:30 - Jan 28 Very good point, shame we couldn't have snatched all 3. Good on the team and well done.
4

corkblue added 20:32 - Jan 28 Last observation for this season - the drop looms!
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jeera added 20:33 - Jan 28 Martin &Shropshire. Do you actually understand what it is you're down voting? How much do you think Lawrence alone would be? This isn't complicated.
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ShropshireBluenago09 added 20:37 - Jan 28 Blueboy…we have agreed re: MM in the past, Im still not a fan of his style or the way he conducts himself. However, there were signed today that our methods may be changing. Pass and move football, strong tackles, players demanding the ball, Skuse, Berra and Chambers all played well for a change! I cannot see any alternative, but to get behind him now. 1 - We all know he won't get the sack or leave 2 - we have little in the way of transfer funds 3 -Diagouraga looks a good addition as does Kieffer 4 - Steven Taylor may well be an awesome signing If Mick puts a team out to play like this today, along with a couple more quality signings, i.e a decent striker, i can forgive him for our 18mth stagnation. a

5

warktheline added 20:52 - Jan 28 Not really understanding the sudden euphoria ! I can only assume gaining any kind of result in comparison to recent incompetence is enough for many! I shan't be getting carried away, it was, with all due respect, Preston we managed to avoid defeat against today! Stats suggest the Lancashire side haven't been setting the stage alight on home soil of late, 2 wins in last 8!!!!! Obviously for those still in attendance at Portman Rd, I agree with the majority, getting behind the lads is the better options, especially when you consider, our hasn't got a 'scooby-doo' owner fully supports McCarthy's 'empty the stadium' tactics, is the way forward! Maybe, as Geminimustang believes, such atrocities witnessed in Suffolk, are not the manager's fault, but instead, such unpleasantness ogled should be squarely placed at the players feet!!!! Yes indeed it's the players who decide to play 'hoof ball' and if this be the case, I recommend all roundly boo our talentless boys, and sing pleasantries towards the rather unendearing McCarthy!!!!!

3

BrettenhamBlue added 21:04 - Jan 28 Can't really understand the euphoria! Nothing's really changed. Spectacular saves by Bart and Lawrence has to do all the work to get a goal. Defence all at sea at points in the game and we were desperately hanging on at the end. It's fantastic to get a point and eases fear of relegation, but it's the same same but different. I'm all behind the team now as getting behind the team is the best way forward, but this wasn't a fantastic performance. We scored a spectacular goal, then contained to try and keep the lead. In the end Preston's huge amount of pressure paid off.

5

dirtydingusmagee added 21:17 - Jan 28 I'm not a McCarthy fan for past 18 months and want him gone,that wont happen this season.I am not a blind follower either way,but today was an improved performance if radio commentary can believed ,so I'm not knocking anyone.Its a pity we conceded a late goal again,but I am pleased the new signings that got a game settled and showed promise.Still tough games to come and they will show if things are improving,i would like to think we can turn the budgies over ,its a tough ask but they have been tripping up .

5

MonterreyBlue added 21:17 - Jan 28 Just got back from the game. Having been to both Lincoln and Huddersfield, i was absolutely questioning my sanity this morning leaving the house. The goal from Tom Lawrence was worth the trip all on its own, an absolute cracker. To the game: Huge improvement from last week, thought the new boy made an instant impact and made 4 or 5, forward passes, on the floor, which sent us on the attack. Something we have desperately been missing with Skuse and Douglas. So a welcome addition. Once we had gone 1-0 up we didn't quite know what to do, go for a second or sit back but with recent results and low on confidence i guess thats understandable.... but we should of gone for the kill and i think we would of gone on the win the game. Second half was a different story and we were under the cosh for most of it. Tom made another wonderful solo effort but his shot lacked pace, apart from that i don't think we had any stand out chances (that i remember) Real kick in the balls to concede with a minute to go but a fair result given Prestons 2nd half dominance. For all the "Mick Out" brigade (which is most of us) there was a very hushed "Super Mick" chant at one stage...... One swallow doesn't make a summer and by no means do we settle and are happy with a draw at Preston, but given recent performances, was a much improved effort. Also worth mentioning, a brilliant effort from all the fans that made the trip, its a hell of a long way, freezing cold and pi$$ing it down with rain..... safe journey home everyone. See you Tuesday.

11

MonterreyBlue added 21:26 - Jan 28 It is also worth noting, for the most part, we tried to play the ball on the deck today.
6

TheDailyTractor added 22:01 - Jan 28 AGREED get behind them on Tuesday! you wouldn't think preston had equalised in the final minutes judged by the preston player in front of hugill above!
4

Swn98 added 22:02 - Jan 28 Full respect monterrey
4

shakytown added 22:24 - Jan 28 We still need a dominant midfielder to control the game for us. Much better performance without the useless douggie (who should be with Best and never play for us again) Please use what little brains you have Mick and don't change too much for the next 5 or so games and the team will possibly start to gel. Sadly I think the moron will have Douggie first on the sheet next time.

1

sirmichealmills added 23:06 - Jan 28 This is getting silly now, another Tom "way to good for town" Lawrence corker, a point, An improved team selection, a loan midfield from Leeds and some people are still digging MM out. If you want to protest on Tuesday night DON'T GO!, I agree, MM isn't going anywhere, shout and scream all you want. Until Evans starts to panic about sales/cash (the only thing he really cares about) nothing will change, and your empty seat will speak more than you can. I myself aren't stepping foot in that place until MM is gone, but heh, that's up,to me... You can all clap when "chambo" fist pumps at the end on Tuesday night, maybe cause he ran about or won a corner. Get marking down 3..2...1..

3

GiveusaWave added 23:09 - Jan 28 I don't think it's euphoria I think it's relief.Weve been on a bad run of late and it's good to pick up an unexpected point. It's also good to see new players on the pitch and it's clear that we are making an attempt to make changes. Dia had a solid debut and Moore seemed to slot in ok into defence (at least I hope he was meant to be brought on in defence...). Spence got Man of the Match against Huddersfield so it's good to see two accomplished players fighting for that RB position (I'd love to see them both play to be honest...but formation wise that's hard). GK superb and thought Sears had a good game. It's looking a little brighter.....couple of injuries to key players though and that could turn.

5

MacMan added 01:42 - Jan 29 Penguin blue: you talk about Mick's ego but take a look in the mirror. Seems to me yours is bigger: you want to be the person who gets rid of Mick despite not having a clue what happens after. I totally respect the comments from other people who have decided that they can no longer support Mick. But in my opinion anyone who can't or won't support the players wearing a blue shirt should do the decent thing and take their toxic attitude elsewhere. Vote me up, down, left or right I don't care. You're not a Town fan.

3

gypo added 06:24 - Jan 29 I've heard it all now Steven Taylor whos english needs international clearance to play in England
1

grumpyoldman added 07:33 - Jan 29 Please we drew with PNE, it is no reason to arrange an open top bus parade or jump off the Orwell bridge, get things in perspective. No cause to celebrate or insult each other, even those who seem to be professional annoyers.
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Steve_ITFC_Sweden added 08:07 - Jan 29 Respect to anyone who travelled to the match: whatever your views, I think you have more right to express them than most.
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AlexanderFields added 08:45 - Jan 29 A good point, gypo. And in this electronic age of instant communication it takes how long to achieve? It makes cheque clearance look like a fast operation!
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westernblue added 08:58 - Jan 29 The grumpyoldman and Steve_ITFC_Sweden posts make sense to me. Also not among the hardy souls (fewer than 365 of us) who travelled to the match, but I don't read numerous postings from them in high frustration over this particular game. It seems to me that the way things are a point away against PNE at Deepdale must be a good result. I cede to no one in thinking that Town are in desperate need of fresh ideas under a new manager. But surely for most of us this result has brightened the weekend just a bit.

1

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