By Ian Whittell for MailOnline
Published: 21:43 GMT, 1 February 2019 | Updated: 21:44 GMT, 1 February 2019
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An unproductive week off the field for Frank Lampard and Derby ended with an equally frustrating night on it as the Rams failed to make the most of their chance to turn up the pressure on their promotion rivals.
If Lampard had been dissatisfied with his team's lack of activity in the January transfer window - Ashley Cole and on-loan Andy King his only signings - then he must have been just as unimpressed with the way his team started at Deepdale.
Paul Gallagher's right-wing corners, in particular, proved problematic with three of them opening up chances for the home team inside the opening 20 minutes.
Derby County boss Frank Lampard looked frustrated as he watched his side draw at Preston
Two fell to striker Jordan Stockley although they were difficult opportunities as he first headed a powerful Alan Browne shot off target then hooked an attempt over from an Andrew Hughes header.
Defender Jordan Storey also got in on the act, heading over from yet another excellent Gallagher delivery as Derby held out and, in fact, started to threaten with the occasional counter-attack.
Harry Wilson launched the best of those on 11 minutes, lifting the ball from Gallagher before sending a superb 25-yard shot thumping against the Preston bar.
Ben Pearson provoked an angry