Both teams were aiming to clsoe the gap on the top six but Coventry and Preston had to settle for a point apiece after a dramatic finish in the Midlands.
As per usual Preston started the slower of the two teams. Lindsay started at the back alongside Hughes and Van den Berg. Earl was given a start at wing back whilst Evans played alongside Archer up front.
Preston eventually grew into the game as Coventry failed to make their better start pay. North End then started to create chances before the end of the half. Evans had a shot at goal which was pushed away and Preston were going into the break on the up.
North End were the better side throughout the second half but were unable to make the most of their chances. The closest Preston came was when an Archer deflected shot landed in the path of Evans who from only yards out could only head against the post.
Lowe then made changes and Riis joined Evans and an unusually quiet Archer up front as Preston went to a 3-4-3 formation for the last twenty minutes given they had nothing to lose.
Preston pushed forward but were caught on the break. Lindsay fouled his man and was given a second yellow card from an over officious Keith Stroud who was booking anyone and everyone for very little.
Preston had to play the remaining six minutes plus stoppage time with ten minute but this seemed to be the catalyst for a crazy conclusion to the game.
Almost immediately a long ball was played forward for Riis to chase. He had beaten his man but it appeared that the keeper was comfortable going to be first to the ball. There was a tangle of legs in the box and Dabo, the pursuing defender, was sent off and a penalty awarded.
There then followed a couple of pitch invasions from the home fans including one moronic individiual who managed to make it back into the stand.
The penalty was delyaed until the 89th minute but Johnson converted. The fourth official then confirmed there would be six minutes of additional time.
In the 98th minute, two minutes beyond the alloted time, Coventry swung a ball into the box. The home side were quiet all second half but Tavares found some space to curl home from an angle inside the box with virtually the last kick of the day.
Preston sit firmly in midtable and whilst they will be disappointed with the ending they didn't convert chances earlier in the game to seal the victory. Lessons will hopefully be learnt for the future.