Billy Jones proved to be an unlikely goal hero when the full back found himself unmarked in the box to head in a late equaliser for North End.
Gary O'Neill put the visitors ahead with a free kick that managed to sneak it's way through the wall and under the body of goalkeeper Andrew Lonergan.
Question marks can be raised over whether or not the referee made the right decision to award a free kick in the first place but nevertheless North End did well to get themselves back in contention.
Just fifteen minutes into the second half, North End found themselves level thanks to an excellently worked move.
Ross Wallace fizzed a dangerous ball in towards Jon Parkin on the edge of the six yard box who managed to get his head onto the ball, forcing a save out of Australian goalkeeper Brad Jones.
Jones could only parry it to Eddie Nolan who got a foot on the ball to poke the ball through to Paul Parry who rifled home from an acute angle.
However, with the Lilywhites seemingly back in contention, a defensive error lead to Adam Johnson putting Boro back in front with an superbly struck shot.
After netting seven goals from the wing so far this term, including three in a week, doubts are starting to circulate over whether Boro can keep hold of Johnson.
Sunderland manager Steve Bruce is rumoured to be interested in the Easington born winger.
Sean St Ledger made his return to Deepdale following his move north to Teeside.
Some sections of the crowd were incensed by the Irish international's conduct during the game in which he seemed to con the referee on several occasions, at the expense of former teammate Jon Parkin (below).
North End persevered and in the end got their just derserts. Ross Wallace sent his free kick in towards the penalty spot where full back Billy Jones rose above everyone else to head home a late equaliser.
