COVENTRY City picked up a point at the Ricoh Arena after a goalless encounter with in-form Preston North End.

Both sides failed to unlock each others rearguard although the point will be a welcome one for the Sky Blues who put an end to a run of three straight defeats in all competitions.

City enjoyed the lions share of possession in the first half and, with a front four of Leon Best, Freddy Eastwood, Clinton Morrison and Leon McKenzie, appeared to be the more willing of the two sides to attack.

But despite a handful of half chances, City could not capitalise.

Clinton Morrison had two good chances to open the scoring on 17 minutes with two close-range half volleys, both blocked by some desperate Preston defending.

And Eastwood also tested his range with a 25-yard effort four minutes later, a powerfully struck half volley which Preston 'keeper Andy Lonergan struggled to keep hold of.

Coventry counterpart Keiren Westwood was also called upon to make a routine save from Neil Mellor's effort at his near post on 22 minutes.

But that and Sean St Ledger's header from a corner just before the half-hour mark which clipped Westwood's crossbar remained as Preston's two best chances to take the lead.

That spell of action proved to be the most frantic of a relatively tame first half but Coleman will be encouraged by the Sky Blues' attacking options which have almost, but not quite yet, had the desired effect.

The second half was a much more subdued affair though, with chances few and far between for both sides.

Morrison had a half chance to nick a winner for the Sky Blues five minutes from time when Freddy Eastwood lifted a ball over all in the penalty area for Mifsud who brought it down into the path of Morrison.

But the Republic of Ireland international could not get the ball down from an awkward bounce and failed to make a clean connection.

St Ledger had a rare opportunity at the other end for Preston midway through the second period, his header from a corner again going close, almost mirroring his first-half opportunity.

And Eastwood and Best also produced a good link up for the Sky Blues five minutes after the interval, Eastwood releasing Best down the right who cut across in return for Eastwood although Lonergan just managed to scoop up the ball and stop the threat.

But despite a game that lacked goals, Chris Coleman's men will take heart from producing the better display on the day to restore some confidence ahead of their Tuesday night clash with Sheffield United at Bramall Lane.

Attendance - 16,544 (1,360 away fans)

Teams

Coventry City: Westwood, Fox, Dann, Ward, Osbourne, Beuzelin (Tabb 88), Doyle, Eastwoood, McKenzie (Mifsud 72), Morrison, Best (Simpson 82)
Subs not used: Marshall (GK), Hall

Preston North End: Lonergan, Hart, Chaplow (Davidson 86), Mawene, Sedgwick (Wallace 82), Nicholson, St Ledger, McKenna (Carter 72), Jones, Parkin Mellor
Subs not used: Neal (GK), Elliott