Phil Brown made one change with Parry starting in midfield in place of the injured Lingzini. The formation stayed 3-5-2 and Preston proved hard to break down as Middlesbrough lacked any sort of creativity.
The hosts, like every Mowbray side got the ball down and passed it but could net break through Preston. They were restricted to long shots and the only time they really threatened in the first half was from a Lita shot which Lonergan fluffed but saved the rebound.
Preston didn't ventur much forward with Paul Parry having Preston's only chance of the first half with a long distance shot that went narrowly wide. The Whites looked like they were trying to grind out a result.
The second half was much of the same until with 20 minutes to go Bates had a shot from outside the area and for some reason Lonergan allowed the ball to slip through his fingers and into the back of the net.
Preston were looking like they were facing another defeat with attacking options limited after Hume had gone off with a head injury and Hayes already subbed. Cort went up front and Barton came on in support of Ellington.
Mayor also played wide right and crreated trouble including the goal with a cross that saw Billy Jones head home from a yard out unmarked at the far post. Preston then pushed for a winner with Cort staying up and Ellington having a chance but he was adjudges offside.
Brown will be happy with the improvements and with 6 points off safety he will look for a positive result away at Scunthorpe to close that gap further.