Quality was always at a premium, but both sides could not be faulted for their endeavour in a match that was always as hotly contested as the unusual late September weather.
The Clarets should have gone in from inside in the opening minute as Darren Carter's back pass was intercepted by Martin Paterson but, although the striker rounded goalkeeper Andy Lonergan, he missed the target.
Preston went in front with their first real threat on goal as Chris Sedgwick did well to get to the byline on the left-hand side and deliver a cross which was headed clear only as far as Barry Nicholson, who made no mistake in firing beyond Brian Jensen and into the corner of the net.
Preston suffered a blow when Michael Hart had to be stretchered off to be replaced by Callum Davidson.
The Burnley equaliser will be one to remember for Joey Gudjonsson, who took a short free-kick from Graham Alexander and, with the defence expecting a cross, the Icelandic midfielder sent a dipping shot beyond Lonergan from 30 yards.
Preston were indebted to Lonergan for going in all square at half-time as the Preston keeper firstly tipped a header from Steven Thompson over the crossbar and repeated the save this time from a Wade Elliott strike.
Burnley went in front with a well-executed set-piece as Alexander's delivery was met by the head of Clarke Carlisle, who picked out fellow centre-half Steven Caldwell to hook the ball beyond Lonergan.
Preston's task was made even harder when substitute Davidson was shown a straight red card by referee Lee Mason for a deliberate handball after being played into trouble with a poor pass from Billy Jones.
With the 10 men of Preston pressing for an equaliser, Chris McCann broke clear deep into stoppage time and fed substitute Chris Eagles, who placed a shot past the despairing Lonergan.