Crewe Alexandra 1-1 Preston North End

Preston's Jermaine Beckford struck late on to prevent Crewe from climbing out of the League One relegation zone.

The hosts had taken the lead moments earlier through youngster George Cooper.

The teenage substitute took on Nicky Ajose's pass before finishing well, but on-loan Bolton striker Beckford denied the Alex a valuable victory.

He made amends for an earlier miss by running onto Kevin Davies's header to keep Preston within two points of second-placed Swindon.

Crewe, who had won their previous two games to climb off the bottom of League One, moved up another place to 21st, but remain in the danger zone on goal difference behind Crawley.