PRESTON pulled back level with a resurgent Nottingham Forest twice to earn a point in a hard-fought bank holiday game at Deepdale.

But two draws in the space of three days has left Craig Brown with no choice but to admit the play-off dream is all but over for this season.

While Preston has more than enough chances to win the game, how Paul Gerrard remained on the pitch after rugby-tackling Ricardo Fuller to the ground as North End went in search of their second equaliser will remain a talking point for weeks to come.

The keeper, on-loan at Forest, pulled Fuller back to the ground two yards in front of an open net, yet no action was taken by referee Mark Clattenberg, who failed to a get to grips with the game at all

Forest went ahead in the fourth minute when Marlon King struck a crisp volley after North End's defence failed to clear an Andy Reid free kick.

Preston did all the attacking after that, with Ricardo Fuller forcing a close-angle save from Gerrard before Graham Alexander forced the keeper into an acrobatic save with a 25-yard volley.

George Koumantarakis set up North End's first goal, lifting the ball overthe Forest defence to skipper Chris Lucketti, who rifled home with great composure from five yards.

On the stroke of half-time, Gareth Williams slammed home from close range after being set up by Reid.

Despite Mr Clattenberg's refusal to offer Fuller any protection from a rough-and-tumble Forest defence, Preston did find a way back on level terms.

Graham Alexander's low corner across the box found Paul McKenna, who swept the ball past Gerrard.

Brown said: "We've had some terrible decisions go against us, much worse than the one not to give the penalty and they have cost us dear.

"Two wins this weekend and we'd have been in with a shout for the play-offs, but while it is still mathematically possible, the chances are now remote."

PNE 2

FOREST 2