Fulham wasted an opportunity to extend their lead over AFC Bournemouth at the summit of the EFL Championship table following a 1-1 with Preston North End at Deepdale.

Tim Ream put the Cottagers in front in the first quarter of an hour before substitute Ched Evans equalized with less than 20 minutes to play.

The result leaves Fulham two points ahead of Bournemouth with the Cherries yet to play this weekend, a win would see them overtake the Cottagers by a point.

Story of the match

Preston had the first chance of the match following a turnover by Tosin as Emil Riis closed in on goal, but the centre-back recovered well to block the shot.

On 15 minutes, Fulham were in front. After Harry Wilson was fouled, Jean-Michael Seri swung in a free-kick that Ream was on hand to nod home.

Five minutes later, Riis got on the end of a lofted ball, but with Ream bearing down on him, the Dane struck his shot well wide.

Riis was proving to be a handful for the Cottagers’ defence and just after the half-hour mark, he was played in down the right, but his near-post effort was diverted behind.

After Antonee Robinson fouled Tom Barkhuizen, Riis then forced Marek Rodak into a comfortable save.

The visitors then had a go of things, Wildon bending one over the Lilywhites’ wall, but his shot lacked any real power.

Aleksandar Mitrovic then teed up Fabio Carvalho, whose curler was too high.

Preston then leveled as a corner was swung in and through a mass of bodies, Evans beat Rodak despite Fulham’s heavy protests for a handball against the substitute.

Neither team had another sight of goal as the points were shared with the Cottagers knowing they ultimately dropped two key points in their bid for promotion.

Man of the match: Ali McCann

The summer signing worked hard all match, but made his biggest impact in the second half when he was always tackling, pressing and intercepting when necessary. A brilliant all-around performance.