Grayson has been consistent in his team selection and there was only one change with Garner replacing Beavon who was ordered to rest for the Easter fixtures after suffering concussion in the game against Orient.
Preston started the match brightly with the majority of the possession but they could not make it count despite having several good opportunities. The Whites hit the woodwork twice in the first half with Garner missing a guilt edged chance.
Preston were made to pay when Portsmouth had their first attack of the game. Poor defending allowed a one on one situation with Rudd who managed to push the ball away only for Portsmouth to regain the ball and get a shot in squirmed under Rudd's body for a goal.
The visitors rarely threatened apart from the odd forray as Preston held onto the ball for the most part without forcing a break through until the second half.
Keane was pushed into central midfield as Connolly returned to right back after his family bereavement. Keane hit a sensational volley from the edge of the box to level the scores.
Portsmouth defended resolutely to earn a draw but for the second week in row Preston will rue missed chances which should have given them all three points.