Brad Potts equalised with virtually the last kick of the game to give Preston a hard-earned point in a 1-1 draw with leaders Norwich in Frankie McAvoy's first game in charge.
The hosts dramatically levelled late on to cancel out Emi Buendia's early opener, moving them 10 points clear of the drop zone.
Due to eight midweek international call-ups, Norwich were missing several of their normal starting line-up.
North End played their first game under interim boss McAvoy following the departure of Alex Neil after three years in charge, with a confidence-boosting late draw getting his stint up and running.