Preston and Nottingham Forest were both left to rue missed chances after sharing the points at Deepdale.

Forest striker David Johnson opened the scoring before Lee Cartwright equalised within the first half hour.

But the sides could not add to their tally, although Preston will be relieved to have ended a run of six consecutive defeats.

On the other hand, Forest's promotion hopes received another dent as they are now without a victory in six games.

Forest started better and Johnson gave his side the lead in the 16th minute as he produced a typically clinical right-foot finish to take his goals tally for the season to 22.

But, just when the visitors were looking good value for their lead, Preston equalised on the half-hour mark.

Preston had just gone close when Ward had to parry a Simon Lynch shot, but visitors keeper Darren Ward could do nothing to keep out Cartwright's header after Lynch had played the ball back in.

As the half drew to a close, Craig Brown's side looked more likely to go ahead.

And Preston's new South African striker George Koumantakaris almost marked his debut with a goal only to be denied by the woodwork.

After the break, the Lilywhites continued to pose more threat.

Alexander curled a free-kick over the crossbar and Brian O'Neil had a close-range header saved by Ward.

Visiting team manager Paul Hart's players responded by hitting the woodwork twice in a minute through Marlon Harewood and then Johnson.

In the last 20 minutes Ward denied Koumantarakis, while Gould was perhaps more impressive with his saves from Harewood and Johnson as the goalkeepers took the plaudits.

Preston: Gould, Alexander, Lucketti, Murdock, Mears, Cartwright, O'Neil, McKenna, Lewis, Koumantarakis, Lynch. Subs: Abbott, Anderson, Rankine, Jackson, Lonergan.

Nottm Forest: Ward, Thompson, Dawson, Doig, Brennan, Prutton, Williams, Scimeca, Reid, Johnson, Harewood. Subs: Westcarr, Roche, Jess, Bopp, Hjelde.

Referee: G Laws (Tyne & Wear)