Preston North End looked as though they were heading towards a first victory since early September, but West Brom’s instant reply meant they could only settle for a draw at Deepdale.

Andrew Hughes poked home from a corner with just under a quarter of the game left, but a few minutes later Aune Heggebo’s equaled things after capitalising on a ricocheted Isaac Price chance, costing North End all three points in a matter of minutes.

You’d be forgiven for thinking a trouncing was on the way judging from the pre-match reaction to the starting eleven, seeing Brad Potts and Delano Burgzorg make their way into the XI, but perhaps the judgement came too quick.

This was a hard-fought and resilient performance from Graham Alexander’s side after coming under some immense pressure in the first half from James Morrison’s men, even switching it up in the second half and piling the pressure on the away side.

Producing an xG. of 1.54, according to FotMob – North End seem to be gelling under the new manager, looking much better in the defensive third as well as going forward.

In a pretty mundane first half, the game came alive the second half with both times with both teams creating a plethora of chances, but no one could really find a breakthrough.

However, PNE would take the lead and ultimately let themselves down almost instantaneously, which is a far more positive outcome than we’ve become accustomed to over the last few weeks.

Key Moments

The first chance came from a long-ranged Johnny Kenny effort after Alfie Devine won the ball back from a loose ball, teeing up Kenny from distance, although playing it for Burgzorg seemed like the more logical option.

A save was still forced from Max O’Leary, in a chance that could’ve gone horribly wrong on another day.

Daniel Iversen is trying not to let the poor start to the campaign dictate him, with the Danish shotstopper called upon for a surprising curled effort from the left-wing.

Horn Myrhe set up Isaac Price for a chance, going for goals, although was met comfortably by the goalkeeper’s parry.

That about sums up the first half, North End came out looking like different side after the interval with Kenny working well with Burgzorg up top to create chances.

The Irish forward brought down the ball on the counter attack and slipped the Surinamese forward in behind, but could only shoot the ball straight at O’Leary.

Burgzorg also had another golden chance after Stanley Mills played a cutting edge pass across the floor towards the back post for the oncoming striker, but the contact was a pitiful.

Daniel Iversen also made a lucky, yet great save at the other end after North End were caught ball watching and were beaten far too easily by Brayann Pereira, who managed to cross the ball towards the middle of the box, where the header found Horn Mhyre ready to poke the ball into the next, but Iversen’s body was in the way.

At last, the breakthrough – Leo Leroy’s woeful corner found its way through the herds of players in the box, finding Andrew Hughes’ knee responsible for poking the ball and giving PNE the lead.

The relief and jubilation was felt, as the captain on the day ran towards the fans and slid across the turf as he looked to share that moment with those who attended.

The game plan was clear, sit on this and frustrate West Brom with minutes to go.

Albion, however, worked the ball tremendously to let Isaac Price in behind – hitting the post and no one around Heggebo who had been presented a golden chance on a platter, making no mistake and snatching a point at the jaws of victory.

The home side could’ve found themselves back in the lead should the referee had decided to give a penalty late on in the game.

North End were throwing everything at the opposition as the ball found itself on the edge of the box with Andrew Hughes who was teeing himself up, before Ousmane Diakite performed a move that was similar to the Bundesliga logo.

The referee was a few feet away from the incident, deciding no and wanted play to continue, immediately being met with protests and jeers from the supporters.

Man of The Match – Andrew Hughes

It has been a tough start for the Lilywhites this season, even for someone like Andrew Hughes whose future at the club remains up in the air.

After some poor displays this season, games like this are a reminder of just what he is capable of.

13 defensive contributions, six tackles, five clearances, and a goal, he rolled back the years with this performance and with him being the only viable left-sided option in a back-three, the 34-year old is going to need to pull some more of those performances out the bag.

Conclusion

This was a much better performance from Preston, most definitely the best under Alexander.

After struggling in the first three games, losing to Millwall, Wrexham, and Birmingham, a slither of hope and a platform to build from has been an absolute must.

Despite an incredibly tough run ahead of them, a point against one of the division’s high-flying teams is a more than suitable platform to build upon for the next few weeks.

However, when you break the game down, this is a match that the Lilywhites should’ve won. Throwing away three points in a matter of minutes after scoring the opener, due to lack of awareness of Heggebo’s position.

The referee played a part in denying a stonewall penalty, but the attitude from PNE after the equaliser was also another positive sign to see, rather than capitulating, they fought on for the winner.