After Preston had defensive trouble at Fulham on Saturday Grayson switched things around at Derby although he was still restricted in terms of personnel due to injuries..
Boyle was given his debut at centre back which was good to see. Huntington, Clarke and Cunninham completed the back line. Robinson came in to supprt Hugill up front whilst Gallagher returned from injury to start.
The main highlight in the first half for North End was a Robinson effort that was ruled offside. Robinson has been found a few times this season straying beyond the backline in his more foward role but this one was close.
Derby took the lead after the break. Former North End player David Nugent saw a shot deflected into the path of Vydra who slotted home past Maxwell. Some may say it was fortunate.
Preston rarely threatened the home goal and it was Derby who tried to press for the second which didn't come. North End then snatched an equaliser in stoppage time when Barkhuizen scored his second in two games.
The point is just another to add to the total. Preston have ten gams left sitting nine points behind sixth placed Shefield Wednesday. North End would have to go on a miraculous run and hope for a disastrous finish from Wednesday and also Fulham to have any hope of a play off place. It simply isn't going to happen and missed opportunities earlier in the season may well be rued.