Boy wonder Michael Keane was Preston's saviour against Wimbledon with a superb equaliser at Deepdale.

The promising 18-year-old turned inside two defenders before skilfully curling a shot into the top left hand corner beyond outstretched keeper Paul Heald.

It was a fine way for the Irishman to mark his full home league debut, seizing his chance following Graham Alexander's free kick on 63 minutes.

Wimbledon stole into the lead in first-half injury-time, courtesy of Neil Shipperley who fired home from outside the penalty area.

Shipperley was in the right place at the right time after Joel McAnuff's deep cross was nodded out by Chris Lucketti, making his home debut in the Preston defence.

What made it all the more remarkable was that Wimbledon had been temporarily reduced to 10 men after Rob Gier was forced to limp off injured around three minutes earlier.

The Dons, looking to overturn three defeats on the run often showed more flair and were quick on the break. Former England under-21 star Andy Roberts went close on several occasions.

They included a 29th minute effort that prompted a one handed scoop by keeper David Lucas.

In addition, David Connolly and Shipperley teamed up well to cause North End a few headaches.

Connolly forced Lucas to tip over from a stunning 20-yard free kick.

Graham Alexander's 37th minute free kick curled past a four man wall, but skimmed wide of the near post.

Former Southampton man Steve Basham returned to first team action for the first time since breaking his leg in October.

He put David Healy through for an apparent winning strike on 82 minutes, but the offside flag was raised.

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