This time of year was always going to be testing and it was no surprise that Alex Neil chopped and changed his team for the game directly before and just after Christmas.
Preston played their final home game of the season against a mid-table Nottingham Forest side who really looked as if they were there for the taking in the first half.
North End wasted some decent chances including Huntington who had two glorious headers which he should have done better with. Preston then paid the price for sloppy finishing.
Brereton was played through off a deflected ball. O'Connor appeared to be playing the Forest attacker onsie sitting deeper than the rest of the back line. Brereton managed to convert past Maxwell.
The home side then seemed to be spurred into action when behind and Huntington made up for his earlier misses with a left foot shot from the edge of the area which squeezed home.
Neither side could find a winner despite Preston forcing the play. Forest are unlikely to trouble the top six wthout a significant turnaround and for Preston it was two points dropped in their search for a top six place.
Preston then travelled to Barnsley on Boxing Day which was a frustrating day and one to forget. Cunningham returned to the bench whilst Woods replaced Clarke at right back.
The visitors had the better chances in the first half with Hugill shooting wide amongst others. The breakthrough didn't arrive and Preston faltered allowing their hosts back into the game.
Maxwell was forced into a save but neither side deserved the win in a distinctly average game where a better side may have dispatched of Barnsley.
North End's unbeaten run continues but they have now drawn more games than they have won. Preston need to turn draws into victories in the second half of the season if they are to cut the four point gap to the play off places.