Changes were forced upon Alex Neil through suspension, injury and illness. Ryan Ledson returned to replace Ben Pearson but the youngster had his poorest game in a North End shirt.
Alan Browne was given the captain's armband with Clarke injured. Davies returned to the centre of the defence alongside Storey with Huntington on the bench. Maguire was given his first start as he formed a front three with Nmecha and Barker.
Preston actually started the brighter of the two struggling sides but could not convert their possession into goals. This is not unusual and an early goal may have changed the game completely.
After twenty minutes the home side grew in confidence asserting themselves. North End became sloppy with individual mistakes inviting pressure. Ledson, Davies and others made unforced efofrs throughout the game putting Preston's defence on the back foot.
Hull should have converted their chances. They had a thirty yard effort rebound off the post. An even better chance was headed onto the bar before Maxwell saved to cut out a cross which was heading to a Hull forward.
Just before the break the home side pounced on another error but from six yards out the striker blasted over when it was easier to score. Preston had been let off the hook by a side low on confidence.
The home side continued in the second half as they hit the post. It was only when Gallagher and Robinson came on that Preston gained any control in the game.
Despite Preston stopping the Hull attack it was a stupid mistake in the last five minutes which cost Preston. There was a clear shirt pull in the box which resulted in a penalty. Bowen converted and it seemed the home side would take the win.
As the game moved into injury time Preston piled forward and substitute Moult managed to smash in a shot from inside the box to level the scores. Gallagher then had a curling shot just wide before the final whistle was blown.
It was an unconvincing display but Preston moved out of the bottom three. Both sides were lacking and confidence. If Preston could cut out the mistakes then it would make life easier and give North End a better chance of picking up points.
Preston now face two home games in a week where they will want to pick up points to shoot up the table.