Stoke City twice came from behind to claim a 2-2 draw against Preston North End in Saturday's Championship encounter at Deepdale.

The hosts began brightly in Lancashire but nearly fell behind after just seven minutes when James McClean's cross was met by Saido Berahino, whose header was straight at Declan Rudd.

Both sides mustered numerous chances in an entertaining start to proceedings but then experienced a niggly period midway through the first half.

Ashley Williams caught Alan Browne and Paul Gallagher clattered into Joe Allen with his forearm, but Andy Madley did not punish either foul.

Preston went on to take the lead on 40 minutes when Thomas Edwards handled in the box for a penalty, which Paul Gallagher rifled beyond Jack Butland and into the top of the net.

Stoke levelled just two minutes later, however, thanks to Erik Pieters's dipping half-volley into the top corner from the left-hand side of the Preston area.

A frantic first half ended with North End back in front, Callum Robinson setting up Graham Burke for an emphatic volley into the far post.

Peter Crouch's introduction just before the hour yielded an almost instant impact, the veteran striker nodding home from close range after Allen's pinpoint free kick delivery from the left.

Preston desperately sought to find a late winner and were pumping balls into the box deep into injury time, but Stoke managed to hold on for a point.

PRESTON NORTH END (4-2-3-1): Rudd; Fisher, Clarke, Davies, Hughes; Pearson, Gallagher (Ledson 83'); Burke (Barkhuizen 67'), Browne, Robinson; Nmecha (Moult 66')

STOKE CITY (4-4-2): Butland; Edwards, Williams, Shawcross, Pieters; Ince, Allen, Fletcher, McClean (Diouf 59'); Berahino (Crouch 59'), Afobe (Etebo 84')