Huddersfield and Preston played out a goalless draw that did little to enhance their positions at either end of the table.
After a game of very few chances, both sides had to settle for a point that left Huddersfield two points above the relegation zone and Preston six adrift of the play-off places.
Preston substitute Scott Sinclair spurned the best chance of the match in stoppage time when he dragged his shot wide following fellow substitute Sean Maguire’s flick-on.
Preston’s winless streak was extended to seven matches and they appear to have run out of ideas in their bid to rekindle their play-off challenge.
Trevoh Chalobah and Alex Pritchard returned to Huddersfield’s starting line-up, while Preston made four changes, with Patrick Bauer, Ryan Ledson, Josh Harrop and Tom Barkhuizen all recalled by Alex Neil.
Town skipper Christopher Schindler’s crucial intervention following Preston midfielder Alan Browne’s first-time cross in the 28th minute was the first real sign of danger at either end.
Visiting defender Bauer headed one corner from Harrop wide and another over the crossbar, while Town’s only effort on target before half-time was Lewis O’Brien’s drive, which was easily gathered by Declan Rudd.
Ledson did well to cut out Town substitute Chris Willock’s left-wing cross before Sinclair snatched at his late chance and Maguire hit the side-netting in the dying moments.
