The Lilywhites took the lead at Vicarage Road through Sean St Ledger in the first minute of the game and doubled their advantage through Leon Clarke – netting his first since joining on loan from QPR - before half time.
But the Hornets rallied in the second half and got a goal back through Matt Whichelow before Adam Thompson completed the comeback for the home side to grab a point.
It meant PNE’s two-month wait for a win went on, with Phil Brown’s side bottom of the Championship and the new boss waiting to pick up his first win in charge. The draw left Preston nine points adrift from safety at the foot of the table, in a season that would see them drop into League One.
1. Clarke makes it two
Leon Clarke celebrates scoring for Preston with Keith Treacy and Adam Barton Photo: Gerry McManus
2. St Ledger opens the scoring
The Preston team join Sean St Ledger as he celebrates scoring early in the first half Photo: Gerry McManus
3. npower Championship Football 2010 / 2011 - Tuesday 15th February 2011 - Watford v Preston North End - Preston manager Phil Brown at the top of the stand to watch the first half - Photographer Gerry McManus Tel +44 (0) 7739 479858 www.splitsecondimages.co.uk
Preston manager Phil Brown at the top of the stand to watch the first half Photo: Gerry McManus
4. Clarke celebrates
Leon Clarke celebrates after he headed Preston into a two goal lead in the first half Photo: Gerry McManus