PRESTON NORTH END 0 NORWICH CITY 0

Preston moved a point closer to the play-off spots, but missed a big opportunity to gain significant ground.

There were several chances passed up by the Lilywhites in the second half, who also struck the bar through Paul Gallagher before the break.

A point moves Preston to within two points of the top six with two games remaining.

The home side cut Norwich open after nine minutes when Alan Browne slipped Callum Robinson clean through, but the forward was unable to sort his feet out and Angus Gunn collected the ball.

James Maddison has been involved in 48% of Norwich’s goals this season, and their top-scorer was denied a 15th league goal by a superb block from Ben Pearson after 13 minutes.

Preston came closest to scoring before the interval as Gallagher’s dipping free-kick from the edge of the area cannoned back off the underside of the bar.

The Lilywhites began the second half on the front foot, as Robinson drove the ball low across the face of goal after 47 minutes, but there was nobody there in a white shirt to meet it. Former Norwich manager Alex Neil played his hand after 53 minutes, making a double change to bring on Sean Maguire and Josh Harrop.

The two nearly combined to give Preston the lead on the hour mark, as Maguire carried the ball the length of the field before trying to play Harrop in – only for a last-ditch Jamal Lewis tackle to deny the hosts.

Harrop was providing that spark from midfield and created an opening for himself after 75 minutes, but his low shot was beaten away by Angus Gunn.

The chances were coming thick and fast for Preston, and Robinson’s pinpoint cross picked out Maguire after 78 minutes, but he headed over, unmarked, six yards out.

It was to prove a crucial miss, as Preston couldn’t manage to find a winner.