October looks like a difficult month for Preston and so it was vital that they got some points from their two games against both sides from the West Midlands over the course of this week.
Villa await on Saturday but last night was always going to be a difficult game away at Birmingham who had started the season well. Grayson made changes which was not unexpected given the number of fixtures recently.
Preston reverted to a 5-3-2 formation. Pearson, Johnson, Welsh and Humphrey all started. North End took the lead after a scramble from a corner. Baptiste stabbed home for his first Preston goal.
Birmingham equalised through a Shotton header but in the second half Johnson scored from a free kick. The home side then piled on teh pressure and Adams equalised. Preston held on for the draw and it will be a relief to many that they did.
The league table usually takes shape after 10 games. Preston sit above the relegation zone and it is apparent that Cardiff, Blackburn, Wigan, Burton and Rotherham will be in a battle with Preston at the bottom. Only Derby were probably expedted to have a better start from the bottom sides.