Preston North End U19s earned a point on the road against Salford City in the Youth Alliance League.
The hosts took the lead just before the hour mark, before Ellis Horan equalised in the 75th minute with a spectacular volley.
The Lilywhites were looking to extend their winning run of four successive games as they travelled to Manchester to take on the Ammies, but were held to a 1-1 draw.
Andy Fensome’s side started strong in the first half with Felipe Rodriguez-Gentile being involved in a lot of action.
It was the young forward who was fouled in the box and the U19s were awarded a penalty in the 21st minute. Unfortunately for the away side, the Argentine striker was unable to convert the spot-kick and the scoreline remained goalless.
North End still managed to create chances, but it was getting it into the back net that proved to be the problem. Notably, Ethan Eccleston was able to whip in an exceptional cross which met the head of Izac Khan, but his header was just about saved.
Two minutes into the second half, Tom Wilkinson stopped his side from conceding after coming up with a big block to deny Salford’s scoring opportunity. Despite all their defensive efforts, PNE fell short in the 59th minute as they conceded through a set piece.
Goalkeeper Li-Bau Stowell’s spectacular double save prevented Salford City from doubling their lead and gave his side a chance to pull one back.
And North End did just that with 15 minutes left on the clock as Horan picked the ball up and drove into the box, before striking an outstanding volley into the back of the net to draw level.
PNE kept trying to look for the late winner but were unable to break through the home defence to strengthen their position at the top of the table.
PNE U19 line-up: Stowell, Brindle, Khan (Blake, 45), Kamara, Wilkinson, McGhee, Eccleston, Horan, Rodriguez-Gentile, T.Mawene, Carroll. Subs not used: Lam, Haji, Goldsmith.