Will Keane's equaliser against Oxford was only his second goal of the season
Oxford United made it four Championship games unbeaten under new manager Gary Rowett, who saw his 100% record come to an end with a draw at Preston.
Will Keane's second-half header for the hosts saw the spoils shared at Deepdale, cancelling out Ruben Rodrigues' opener before the break.
Despite dominating possession and having almost four times as many shots, the Lilywhites were unable to find a winner, but did extend their unbeaten run in front of their own fans to seven games.
Former Birmingham and Millwall boss Rowett also continued his incredible unbeaten run against Preston, which has stretched to 15 games.
Both sides remain in the bottom half of the table - Preston in 14th and Oxford in 17th, seven points and five points clear of the relegation zone respectively.
Preston and Oxford both came into the game looking to extend unbeaten streaks; North End on a run of six homes games without defeat since November and Rowett and the U's looking to make it four wins in a row since Boxing Day.
Paul Heckingbottom's side were quicker out the blocks in Lancashire, and visiting keeper Jamie Cumming had to be alert to deny Sam Greenwood an eighth goal of the campaign early on.
Cumming was called into action again to keep out Kaine Kesler-Hayden's effort after the Preston forward had worked an opening after cutting in from the left-hand side.
Moments later, Keane wasted a good chance to break the deadlock, firing over after fine link-up play from Greenwood and Duane Holmes.
Cumming's opposite number Freddie Woodman had been largely untroubled in the opening stages, but gifted the away side the lead in the 21st minute when his weak clearance rolled straight to the feet of Rodrigues, who kept his cool to score for the second time in as many games.
The home side continued to force the issue before the break, but Cumming was again equal to Emil Riis' effort after the forward had been teed up by Holmes.
Holmes' efforts to become provider for a Preston goal were eventually rewarded in the second half when his cross was headed home by Keane with 20 minutes remaining.
15-Love: Rowett's remarkable run against Preston
It's one thing for teams to claim bragging rights against other teams on a run of form, but Rowett can now boast 15 games without defeat against Preston while at the helm of five different teams, winning eight and drawing seven.
December 2015: Birmingham 1-1 Preston
April 2016: Birmingham 2-2 Preston
September 2016: Birmingham 2-2 Preston
August 2017: Derby 1-0 Preston
April 2018: Preston 0-1 Derby
August 2018: Preston 2-2 Stoke
February 2020: Preston 0-1 Millwall
October 2020: Preston 0-2 Millwall
March 2021: Millwall 2-1 Preston
February 2022: Millwall 0-0 Preston
April 2022: Preston 1-1 Millwall
November 2022: Preston 2-4 Millwall
April 2023: Millwall 2-0 Preston
April 2024: Birmingham 1-0 Preston
January 2025: Preston 1-1 Oxford
Rowett 'super proud' of U's - reaction
Preston manager Paul Heckingbottom told BBC Radio Lancashire:
"It is frustrating, I have had to the remind the players and the staff that we have not been beaten.
"I cannot be critical because we got a lot of things right today. They defended the box well but we couldn't create any more after getting back level.
"There is nothing I would have changed with the players at half-time even though we were 1-0 down. Having watched Gary's team in the last three days that is the most they have been pulled about.
"We did not let going behind affect us, so credit to the players for getting back in the game and scoring a good goal. We were brave and kept knocking on the door.
"If we were a better team at set plays we could have been more effective. We should be far better for the size and aerial ability of the players we have. That can win you games."
Oxford United manager Gary Rowett told BBC Radio Oxford:
"After three very good performances, to come here today and not play well and get a point I think is the best result of the four, and the one I am the most proud of.
"It is not an easy place to come, and we showed character and dug in. We just need to show a little bit more quality.
"Preston started the game very well and I thought we looked a bit leggy physically. We were fortunate to go 1-0 up at half time, but it was a really well worked goal. We have tried to be more aggressive, and Ruben has taken his chance really well.
"We had to tweak at half-time, I think the game would have been theirs if we had waited to do something. I thought we might have been able to defend the ball that led to the goal but we didn't.
"I am super proud of the players after a physical game, and that is now 10 points out of 12."
