Beckford rescues point for Preston
Jermaine Beckford salvaged a point for Preston as the promotion-chasers were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw at lowly Crewe.
Substitute striker Beckford ran on to a flick-on from Kevin Davies and finished from close range in the 83rd minute. In a breathless finish at Gresty Road, teenager George Cooper had fired the hosts in front two minutes earlier.
Improving Crewe mounted a tight rearguard action to thwart Preston's advance on the automatic promotion places.
Paul Gallagher wasted a rare first-half chance when he swept the ball into the arms of Crewe goalkeeper Ben Garratt.
Garratt kept his side in contention with his handling and anticipation. He saved John Welsh's missile and did well when he came off his line to save at the feet of Andy Little.
Beckford, on loan from Bolton, was flung on to pep up North End's attack, but was left with his head in his hands when he sliced an attempted volley horribly wide from just six yards out.
Cooper, though, was spot on with his low right-footed finish into the bottom corner after he was set up by Nicky Ajose.
But Crewe, who have now picked up seven points from three games, were finally found wanting when Beckford slipped in behind to finish and only a desperate block prevented Davies from winning it for Preston in stoppage time.
Source: PA
