Aune Heggebo salvaged a point for high-flying West Bromwich Albion and denied bottom-of-the-table Preston North End a second Championship win of the season in a dramatic late finish at Deepdale.

North End seemed to be on their way to a first win after three straight defeats under new boss Graham Alexander when Andrew Hughes poked the ball home in the 78th minute.

The goal was a reward for a gritty performance by the hosts, who had edged an increasingly entertaining match that really sprang into life in the final half-hour.

But Heggebo was quickest to react when Isaac Price's initial effort hit the woodwork and he found the back of the net via a slight deflection.

Preston's efforts, given their miserable start, will no doubt have buoyed Alexander, whose side - if beaten - would have fallen to a sixth loss in seven.

The Baggies, who drop to fifth, had won six of their 11 league games heading into the match at Deepdale, but they were unable to find their best form in blustery, wet conditions, with North End creating the better chances during a cagey, scrappy first hour.

The impressive Johnny Kenny forced Baggies keeper Max O'Leary into two decent saves and also had another effort blocked, while Delano Burgzorg also went close on a couple of occasions.

Price had the visitors' best opportunity, a venomous strike that was well saved by keeper Daniel Iversen, but despite having more possession West Brom's chances were limited to half-chances and many a blocked shot.

And when Hughes got on the end of a Leo Leroy touch from a corner to put Preston in front, a shock defeat looked likely.

But North End's record of not having kept a clean sheet all season continued as Heggebo, who had earlier sent another strike just wide, kept his composure to earn a draw - much to the frustration of Alexander who felt a throw-in during the build-up should have been awarded to Preston.

Preston North End boss Graham Alexander told BBC Radio Lancashire:

"It's a step forward and we deserved three points.

"West Brom are a really good team and they had opportunities as well but we defended well.

"We had chances and the keeper made some good saves. I didn't think we would be in danger when we went 1-0 up.

"It was a game where two teams went at each other.

"But things went against us. There was a poor decision with [a throw-in in the build-up to West Brom's equaliser] and we could have had three penalties. But we have to take it on the chin."

West Bromwich Albion boss James Morrison told BBC WM:

"We were in control for large periods but we weren't very good at the top end of the pitch. We weren't clinical. We didn't have enough spark.

"I enjoyed watching us at some stages. There were a lot of opportunities where we could have scored but we didn't have that in us today. We were sloppy.

"And we seem to gift goals at the moment. The lads showed character and had to wake up.

"We were dominant in the first half without really threatening the goal. I'm frustrated because that should have been three points. I want my teams to be better than that."