Preston North End 0-0 Coventry City: Mid-table Championship sides in stalemate
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Jamie Allen threatened to add to his seven goals this season as Coventry and Preston both squandered chances in their goalless draw
Coventry City's three-game winning run came to an end in a goalless draw at Preston North End that did little to strengthen either side's hopes of reaching the Championship play-offs.
The in-form visitors went closest when Freddie Woodman parried Callum Doyle's fierce long-range strike behind and Jamie Allen shot narrowly over.
Preston did not produce an effort on target in the first half as their unbeaten streak extended to four games with a draw that left the hosts seven points shy of the top six.
Brad Potts sent a volley high and wide and Ched Evans sliced his finish out of play after breaking free in front of goal as Preston failed to score for a third time in five matches.
On-loan Manchester City forward Liam Delap could not capitalise on an excellent opportunity when the 20-year-old shot wide after being introduced as a substitute.
Coventry goalkeeper Ben Wilson also palmed away Daniel Johnson's curling second-half attempt to prevent the midfielder from scoring his second goal in four days following North End's 2-1 win at home to Wigan Athletic on Saturday.
The Sky Blues have still never won a league game at Deepdale in 21 visits.
Mark Robins' side, who visit Huddersfield Town on Saturday, move a point above West Bromwich Albion into 10th, five points behind sixth-placed Luton Town.
North End remain 12th, two points above Bristol City and Reading, before Saturday's trip to Watford.
Preston manager Ryan Lowe told BBC Radio Lancashire:
"I'm disappointed we couldn't get three points. We tried but lacked a little bit of quality in the final third in terms of chances.
"We played some fantastic stuff against a very good team. The effort and determination was all there and we looked a little bit back to ourselves, creating a lot of chances on the front foot and getting in their faces.
"We were excellent all over the pitch. I'm very, very pleased with the performance. If anyone looked like they were going to score, it was us."
Coventry City boss Mark Robins told BBC CWR:
"It had 0-0 written all over it - there was no real control. We had some decent patterns at times but nothing consistent. Ben Wilson had very little to do and their goalkeeper was worked.
"We fashioned a couple of half-chances. Jamie Allen went through in the first half and really should have scored, then we lost him at half-time to an injury and he'll be out for a while. The reality of it is, we just haven't got the depth of players. There's no chance.
"Fatigue is a big thing. It feels flat because you're looking at trying to kick on and it's very difficult, which has been the way throughout my tenure. It's a point gained, really. We've not got anything here for a long time."