There was much hype and hyperbole surrounding this fixture mainly by the fans due to the return of Simon Grayson who has struggled in his new employment at Sunderland.
Aiden McGeady and a larger than usual crowd meant this was no ordinary afternoon at Deepdale although in fairness both managers just saw it as another Saturday afternoon.
Preston were still without Ben Pearson who was missed in midfield yesterday. Browne at times looked uncomfortable alongside Johnson in the holding role as Sunderland won the midfield battle in the frst half.
Despite the scorline Preston's most impressive players were the young duo of Josh Earl and Ben Davies. Both handled the game well and have bright futures.
North End were distinctly average in the first half. Some would say it was one of the poorest halves of the season although the opening 45 minutes at Birmingham was woeful.
Sunderland are struggling but Preston allowed them possession and they cut North End open before th break allowing Honeyman a simple tap in past Maxwell.
Preston came out stronger in the second half. They were awarded a free kick on the corner of the box. Harrop whipped the ball in and the last defender got a slight touch with the ball curling into the net for the equaliser.
The home side then sensed Sunderland might struggle and moments later Hugill smashed in a left footed volley from the edge of the box which gave the keeper no chance. He may miss numerous one on ones but he has scored a few screamers in his young career.
It seemed Preston would take the momentum and score more but Sunderland caught Preston when McGeady was allowed the ball in the area. He shot past Maxwell netting the equliser before running the length of the field to celebrate in front of the home fans. It was the first time in the league Preston have conceded twice in a game.
Neither side could force the winner. Browne had a left foot curling shot from outside the box which crunched against the post before bouncing to safety.
Maxwell was fortunate when he seemed to handle the ball well outside the box and as Grayson went more defensive towards the end Preston could not find a way through.
Itr is disappointing that Preston were unable to win against a team in the bottom three but it has been an imnpressive start to the season with only one defeat which has kept them in the hunt for the top places.