Preston North End 0-0 Bolton Wanderers

Ben Amos has kept four clean sheets for Bolton this season

Preston played out a goalless draw against Championship strugglers Bolton in a game low on clear-cut chances.

Wanderers striker Shola Ameobi had the best chance of the first half but his effort from Jay Spearing's free kick went over the crossbar.

Joe Garner and Daniel Johnson tested visiting keeper Ben Amos from distance after the break.

Lilywhites keeper Jordan Pickford kept out Gary Madine's low shot as Bolton's winless run stretched to eight matches.

A derby meeting between the two lowest-scoring sides in the second tier this season proved to be a largely uninspiring affair.

Ameobi's opportunity summed up the first period as he struggled to make a clean connection with Spearing's delivery as the ball came off his shoulder and went over.

North End midfielder Johnson had two efforts blocked by David Wheater in quick succession, while Preston defender Calum Woods was lucky to receive just a yellow card for a trip on Max Clayton, who looked to be through on goal after gathering Spearing's long cross-field ball.

Substitute Jordan Hugill failed to make the most of an opportunity with 15 minutes remaining, preferring to shoot from outside the box when he could have played in Johnson.

Madine's well-struck effort through a crowd of bodies forced a good save from Pickford, low to his right, but the home side could not capitalise on late pressure.

Neil Lennon's Bolton side have won just once this season and remain in the relegation zone, although a point lifts them above Rotherham and Charlton.

Preston kept a seventh clean sheet of the campaign but the Lilywhites have picked up one win in their last 12 games and are now three points above the bottom three.