The line up was changed from last week's draw at Stevenage with Brownhill partnering Kilkenny in midfield to try and open up a Blades team who have a recent impressive defensive record as well as winning ten on the bounce.
North End were the dominant team and the statistics show this to be the case but they were unable to break down a resilient United side. Garner came close in the first half with a header he should have got on target.
The main talking point of the first half was when Doyle handled the ball in the area for the visitors. It was spotted by the television cameras and half the crown but the referes did not see the handball otherwise the home side would have had a cast iron penalty.
The second half was like a training session of attack v defence. Sehffield United retreated inside their own half and barely ventured out sitting all eleven behind the ball at least ten metres from the half way line.
Garner came close clipping one just wide of the post from a cross. Brownhill hit a shot into the ground which rebounded off the post with the keeper beaten and Gallagher had a header blocked off the line. It just wasn't to be for Preston who now realise that a top two spot is slipping slowly away.
North End have nine games remaining but with the top three showing no signs of letting up, Preston would have to win the majority if not all of the remaining games to secure a top two finish.
The league table does show a chasm between sides this season. In a normal season Preston's points tally at this time of the season would see them closer to automatic but the top three have been exceptional whilst there is a large gap between the top five and the rest.