Brighton & Hove Albion remain four points clear at the top of the Championship, despite being held to a goalless draw by struggling Preston North End.

Chris Hughton's were looking to extend their advantage at the top and nearly took the lead in the opening stages as Sam Baldock took aim at the Lilywhites' goal, but did not bring a save out of Jordan Pickford.

Moments later, Baldock teed up Israel forward Tomer Hemed, only to see his effort drift high over Pickford's crossbar.

Preston initially struggled to seize possession, but gave the home team a scare as Eoin Doyle's opportunistic shot brought a save out of David Stockdale before the Brighton keeper was called into action again soon after, when he thwarted Jordan Hugill.

After the interval, both Bobby Zamora and Baldock tried to create opportunities for the hosts, but were crowded out as North End looked intent of leaving the South Coast with a clean sheet.

Daniel Johnson and substitute Joe Garner had late chances to snatch victory for the visitors. However, the game petered out into a goalless draw.