THE promotion race has now reached alarming proportions as a cavalry charge now sends five teams chasing for that vital second place behind Fulham. (PNE 1 MANCHESTER CITY 1).

In front of just under 21,000 North End got off to a perfect start with a goal after 52 seconds.

David Eyres showed some brilliant skill out on the left, sending Crooks and Cooke in the wrong direction before hitting in a cross of sheer perfection for Steve Basham to send a classic header flashing past Weaver.

City were obviously rattled, their supporters were stunned into silence and North End came forward in the glorious Deepdale sunshine looking for goals.

Manchester City settled down, started to get to grips with midfield and Cooke and Brown started to take control.

Goater got clear in the box but Michael Jackson came to Preston's rescue with a great tackle and when Horlock crossed from the left, Taylor had a clear header at goal but failed to hit the target.

City kept coming forward, Terry Cooke was becoming a menace on the right with some clever runs and big Sean Goater was starting to cause problems for Jackson and Murdock.

Preston had to crack, but when they did it was in very unfortunate circumstances.

A high cross was cleared by Murdock and there didn't appear to be any real danger when the ball dropped to Michael Brown 30 yards out.

Brown struck a powerful shot which looked to be well covered by Lucas but the ball brushed against Taylor to create sufficient movement to direct it wide of the Preston keeper for a fortunate, although deserved, equaliser.

North End came at City early in the second half, Alexander at last coming forward in support of the attack and the tension grew.

Clement too was getting into good positions down the left and he set up a chance for Mark Rankine, but he shot over and wide.

City then started to tick again in midfield and the Preston goal was put under pressure.

Horlock produced a great save from Lucas and when the ball dropped back to the City man he looked a certain scorer, but again Lucas saved well.

Preston brought on Jon Macken for Kurt Nogan and all of a sudden City were thrown off balance. With his first touch Macken was almost a scorer as his shot from close range was saved by Weaver with his legs and again he was set up for a shot at goal but miskicked and the chance was gone.

Then a well rehearsed free kick set up David Eyres but his powerfully struck shot just cleared the crossbar with Weaver stranded.

Preston kept coming forward. McKenna had a shot blocked, Macken went close and Gregan went even closer with a 25-yard blockbuster wide of the post.

City settled for a draw as Preston took control but despite all their efforts they couldn't find a way through.

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