SUPER sub Richard Cresswell saved North End's blushes with an 88th minute close range header.

But the man who should have left the field red-faced was referee Mr A Hall.

His bizarre performance would have been more suited to It's a Knockout, presented by his namesake Stuart.

Bizarre bookings and dodgy decisions helped ruin a game which, in truth, had little going for it.

Missing Tepi in goal and still relying on Colin Murdock in defence, North End looked vulnerable from the start - a shadow of the side witnessed in recent games.

Vulnerablity turned into goals conceded on 44 minutes when Chris Barker's cross was played into the path of Darren Barnard by Kevin Gallen.

The former Chelsea defender slotted home.

North End hit back in the second half, with a subdued Jon Macken setting up Mark Rankine with a cross from the right.

But before the chants of 'You're not singing any more' could die away from the new Alan Kelly Town End, Alex Neil rose to head home beyond David Lucas after ball was put in by Chris Lumsden.

Graham Alexander, Sean Gregan and Rankine all came close to pull the game back for North End before Creswell scored his fourth in three games when he nodded home Alexander's free kick.

For North End, this was nothing like vintage Lilywhite - but grinding out a point from such a poor performance shows they have the grit to stay up near the top.

Ryan Kidd came off early after being injured, with youngster Adam Eaton coming on.

He too took a clattering, and with Rob Edwards already out, Moyes must be pleased the break from domestic football has arrived.

RESULT: PNE.. 2 BARNSLEY... 2