Preston 1 Fulham 1

DAVID Moyes reckons it's 'highly unlikely' his Preston young guns will achieve promotion this season -- but he's determined his side will hang in there as long as possible.

After the draw with a Fulham side he thinks will be in the Premiership next term, Moyes admitted it will take longer for North End to be in the top flight.

"I think it's probably highly unlikely (this season). We are trying to keep the momentum going. We are not quite mature enough, we probably do not have enough experience of games at this level and these are things might go against us as the season progresses," he said.

The Preston boss described table topping Fulham as 'fantastic' after they dominated a game where North End had just one shot on target -- their third minute goal.

Former Burnley player Gary Parkinson, in for Graham Alexander who sat out the last game of his three-match suspension, sent in a corner which Michael Jackson, replacing the suspended Colin Murdock, headed home.

Moyes has always said he wanted his defenders to get on the scoresheet -- and Jackson was the first this season.

"He is a smashing lad. We have had three tough games -- away to Watford and West Brom and home to Fulham -- and people have come in and done well. I am pleased for them.

"We had to work hard to hang on in there but not many sides will take four points off Fulham this season. "I think that is the hardest game in all my time as manager at Preston, including Everton and Arsenal. They are as good as any Premiership side we have played," added Moyes.

Sean Davis equalised for the Cottagers on the hour with a 30 yard strike which went in off the underside of the crossbar.

Preston winger Iain Anderson was injured in a clash with Bjarne Goldbaek and needed stitches to his head on top of pulling his hamstring.