Alan Irvine's Preston remain seventh, just outside the play-offs, on 62 points
Play-off hopefuls Bristol City and Preston had to settle for a point apiece in a hard-fought draw.
Dele Adebola missed a great chance early on for City but made amends when he created space down the right and crossed for Nicky Maynard to head in.
Youl Mawene equalised for the visitors soon after, sticking out a leg to divert in a Ross Wallace corner.
Preston's Stephen Elliot came closest to scoring a further goal but his shot struck the base of the right-hand post.
Bristol City manager Gary Johnson:
"We were a goal away from a good performance but a couple of mistakes cost us dear and now our play-off chances look slim.
"While it's still mathematically possible for us to finish in the top six we will be giving it all we've got. But we can't afford any more basic errors.
"We played the sort of football I want and I felt we should have been ahead at half-time. There were chances in the second period, but the ball didn't quite break for us where it matters most."
Preston manager Alan Irvine:
"Gary Johnson will probably feel it is a worse result for his side because we have maintained our three-point lead over them and one more game has gone by.
"Two months ago I thought it might take 75 points to get into the play-offs, but some of the leading sides have slipped up a few times since then and now I think 73 would give us a good chance.
"I look at it that if we can win all five of our remaining games, three of which are at home, we will have a great chance."
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