New signing Scott Sinclair was on the bench as Neil opted for Maguire up front on his own despite the Irishman's distinct lack of goals this season and the fact that Stockley caused Blackburn so much trouble in the home fixture.
Preston were dowwn early on thanks to terrible defending by Tom Clarke who was playing at right back despite both Rafferty and Fisher being fit. The calamity started on the half way line when Blackburn won the ball and were allowed to travel almost unopposed into the box.
It appeared Preston were almost too scared to put a foot in before Armstrong was allowed to turn and shoot past Rudd from close range. It was fairly poor from Preston.
The game was the halted for a lengthy period as Clarke caught Evans unintenitionally in the face. The Blackburn player was taken off and the break assisted Preston.
North End equalised shortly after when the ball fell to Harrop. He volleyed home a superb strike from the edge of the box. He now must be a certain starter for the next few games as his goal tally is better than most in his position.
The rest of the game was fairly average. It was a wet and wild afternoon with the wind and rain. Chances were minimal and Preston still lacked any creativity to break down the opposition. It is apparent that they struggle to score more than once away from Deepdale.
Sinclair came off the bench with around ten minutes to go but had little time to impact on the game and he will be hoping for much more game time over the next few weeks.
Blackburn had chances towards the end and Rudd made a good save but a draw was a fair result between two average sides on the day. Preston must improve in what is now a key period of the season if they are to have hope of making the top six at the end of the season.