Michael Smith's equaliser rescued a point for Sheffield Wednesday as Preston North End were held to fourth consecutive draw in the Championship.

Emil Riis tapped in the opener for the visitors following great work from fellow Dane Mads Frokjaer-Jensen in the first quarter before Lilywhites goalkeeper Freddie Woodman then produced some penalty heroics as he denied Wednesday's Josh Windass from the spot and the resulting follow up.

Preston have not won since 19 October and Woodman's stops were in vain as Owls striker Smith steered in a close-range effort in the final 15 minutes to earn Danny Rohl's side a point.

The shared spoils meant Wednesday climbed to ninth and Preston to 16th ahead of the five later kick-offs.

After 19 games, Preston are still winless away from Deepdale this season but had a chance of ending that run following a bright first half performance.

Midfielder Frokjaer-Jensen was back to his playmaking best as he delivered a perfect defence-splitting for Kaine Kesler-Hayden, but Wednesday keeper James Beadle kept the wing-back out at the near post in the ninth minute.

A few minutes later, Frokjaer-Jensen caused havoc from the left wing, driving into the box before setting up compatriot Riis who, from just a yard out, easily swept in his fifth league goal of the season.

Leeds loanee Sam Greenwood was another constant threat for the Owls to deal with and one of several dangerous crosses should have led to Preston's lead being extended soon after the break but unmarked Brad Potts failed to make the most of his opportunity, firing wide despite being given plenty of time to line up the shot.

Gusty 50mph winds in South Yorkshire proved a challenge for both teams in a frantic start to the second half as Kesler-Hayden, on loan from Aston Villa, gave the hosts a lifeline, conceding a penalty following a mistimed lunge into Pol Valentin.

Woodman, though, in part made up for his red card against Stoke 11 days earlier by saving Windass' initial spot-kick and the former Rangers' player's follow-up.

Windass' blushes were spared, however, in the 76th minute as former Netherlands under-21 winger Anthony Musaba picked out Smith, whose finish was good enough to beat Woodman's dive to his right and leave both sides with a point apiece.

Sheffield Wednesday manager Danny Rohl told BBC Radio Sheffield:

"For me it's a defeat. We deserved nothing today.

"They created more chances, they were the better team, they were more aggressive, the did the basics better than us.

"For me it's a shame to see the first 10 to 15 minutes, how we started the game."

Preston North End manager Paul Heckingbottom told BBC Radio Lancashire:

"I was delighted with lots of the football the lads are producing obviously under difficult conditions but frustrated is probably the word and disappointed that we haven't taken all three points.

"It'll be a hard one to watch back for the fact that we'll probably rue a few things but as I keep saying, a lot of good things.

"I was watching it (Wednesday penalty) through my fingers because how it comes about. It's frustrating because you're thinking if it (Potts chance) comes to haunt us and then seconds later it's a penalty kick but Freddie pulled off a great save and the follow up as well, so we're pleased with that."