Preston are slowly but surely putting togther a run of games which is proof that they might just be able to avoid a relegation scrap come the end of the season.
The Whites went unbeaten all the way through October and started off November with a point at Ipswich who were trying to impress new boss Paul Lambert.
It has long been established that Preston have a problem between the sticks. Maxwell cost the club a number of points last season with errors against Fulham, Derby and Birmingham as well as a lucky escape against Bristol City.
Declan Rudd has been no better this term and Maxwell has recently been given another run in the side. That run will now come to an end after two crazy decisions resulted in two separate bookings and a sending off.
Both saw Maxwell rush from his line when there was no immediate danger. In the first half he fouled the Ipswich attacker in the box and Sears converted the penalty.
Preston did level when Paul Gallgher curled in a sublime free kick from just outside of the box after Maguire had been fouled. Moments later Maxwell was flying off his line again and managed to foul an opposing player near the touchline.
The keeper was shown a red card and Gallagher had to be used as an emergency keeper for the last fifteen minutes. He did manage to keep the home side at bay with one decent save from a long range effort.
Neil has plenty to ponder but the continuing run does show that there is a flash of light at the end of the tunnel. North End are now proving to be resilient and picking up points on their travels is allowing them to be not cut adrift from the pack.