Simon Grayson was forced into one change with Greg Cunningham suspended. Cunningham was missed with Spurr having a torrid time at left back in the first half. Horgan also dropped top the bench with Johnson returning.
Villa were on top in the early exchanges and Preston werre poor throughout the first half. Clarke and Huntington looked vulnerable against a pacey attack. Balls were flying across the box and it looked like Preston were shocked by their surroundings.
Despite being poor it was the referee who took a lot of the foculs away from Preston's poor display. Agbonlahor was played through and when he went to shoot he collidied with Maxwell.
On another day the referee may have given a foul as it was clear the striker took ball and keeper. Unfortunately for Preston the ball rolled off Maxwell to Adomah who tapped in.
Referee Madley then committed a more significant error. A ball was played wide to Adomah. Spurr was well out of position and it was obvious why he is not a regular. McGeady ran across and made a perfectly times tackle winning the ball.
Sadly Madley confirmed that McGeady had challenged unfairly and awarded a penalty. The linesman who had a clear view and didn't flag for a penalty was too weak to overrule the referee.
Adomah converted the penalty and the game could have becoe ugly with North End supporters threatening to spill over with the penalty awarded iin front of the travelling fans.
Preston managed to see out the half only two goals down as Hughill was isolated up front as Robinson dropped into a line of five across the midfield.
North End must have had a severe talking to at half time because the came out stronger. Villa are presently still finding their identity under Bruce sitting in midfield and a goal was always likely to make them wobble.
Hughill was played through from the half way line but was being chased own. He lacks pace but managed to get to the edge of the box with three defenders around him. Somehow he held of the defenders and curlsed a shot past Johnstone who had no chance.
Preston were in the ascendency and managed to grab an equalier. Hughill was limping but managed to rise highest for a cross to head home.
The visitors tried for a winner but also had to be cautious. The game nded in a draw which keeps Preston in mid-table five points froom the top six.