Preston already guaranteed a top-six place before the start of the match look almost certain to play Derby County in the play-offs and a win for Wigan at home to Reading next Sunday should clinch automatic promotion for them.
David Nugent had a ten-yard header caught by John Filan after a Graham Alexander right-wing cross after 15 minutes.
Lee McCulloch made it 1-0 to the Latics after 24 minutes after he headed downwards following a Graham Kavanagh free-kick from the left, home keeper Carlo Nash getting his foot to the ball but being unable to keep it out of the net.
Richard Cresswell hit the bar with a header after 27 minutes after a Nugent header had been cleared by Ian Breckin and then the ball was cleared for a corner.
McCulloch had a header on target which was headed away by Youl Mawene for a left-wing corner soon afterwards.
Matt Jackson fouled Nugent and Paul McKenna hit an inch-perfect left-wing right-foot free-kick to the unmarked Brian O'Neil and he headed the ball inside the far post to make it 1-1 four minutes before the break.
Nugent had a cross which nearly crept in at the far post just before half-time.
After the restart Mawene gave the ball away to Nathan Ellington but he shot straight at Nash.
Callum Davidson was injured and replaced by Dickson Etuhu and Jason Jarrett replaced Gary Teale as both sides made changes to try and break the deadlock.
McCulloch had a shot saved by Nash as time ticked away and Chris Lucketti had a diving header saved by Filan from a McKenna free-kick as the game ended all-square.