As anticipated Gallagher returned in midfield to steady the ship and play alongside Pearson. The Irish lads also returned from international duty but there were below par performances from Boyle and Horgan which saw them subsituted at half time.
North End started the brighter and had a number of chances in the first fifteen minutes to put the visitors under serious pressure. Opportunities were missed including a Hugill effort which went curling wide from the edge of the box.
Preston paid for their missed opportunities when Forest scored on the break with their first major attack. Assombalonga sloted home and Forest then seized the initiative.
The visitors took control of the game and looked comfortable leading up to the break trying to add to their lead. Preston managed to keep the scoreline to a single goal at half time.
The home team then started the second period well. Robinson added pace and width as a half time substitute whilt Baptiste came on at the back as Preston turned to a 5-3-2 formation with Barkhuizen used as the right wing back.
Within minutes Preston had levelled and once again it was McGeady who took his chance. The ball fell to him on the edge of the box where he took one touch before curling an effort into the bottom corner.
Preston searched for the winner but had to settle for a point. Whilst they move upto eighth in the table they now sit six points behind Fulham who occupy the final play of spot. Any chance of a top six finish is now remote at best given the tough schedule ahead.