A 1-1 stalemate at Deepdale saw QPR extend their unbeaten run to four games after defender Thierry Small slotted an own goal in the 82nd minute. Preston North End, who had led through Brad Potts just after the hour‑mark, were unable to find a winner despite dominating early phases. Both sides left the match level on points.

Preston pressed early, with Alfie Devine forcing a corner and Lewis Dobbin missing a close‑range effort saved by Joe Walsh. QPR created chances through Paul Smyth, Harvey Vale and Rayan Kolli, but Jonathan Varane’s strike rang off the post. A minute after the restart Potts finished a tidy finish from Devine’s drive to make it 1-0.

QPR responded swiftly, with Smyth rattling a shot onto the post and Kolli blasting past the far side, yet it was Small’s mis‑clearance that gifted the visitors an equaliser. Both clubs preserve unbeaten streaks—Preston to three, QPR to four—keeping them in the upper half of the Championship table as the season tightens.

Heckingbottom lauded Preston’s composure after conceding late, insisting the squad will build on the point as they chase a top‑six finish. Stephan, meanwhile, expressed frustration at the own‑goal but stressed that QPR’s defensive solidity keeps them in contention for promotion spots, emphasizing the urgency of turning chances into goals.