Last updated on .From the section Championship

Preston North End goalkeeper Chris Maxwell had never been sent off prior to their game against Ipswich Town

Paul Lambert's first game in charge of Ipswich Town ended in a draw against fellow Championship strugglers Preston - who played the final 15 minutes and stoppage time with striker Paul Gallagher in goal.

Freddie Sears gave the hosts the lead from the spot just before half-time when North End goalkeeper Chris Maxwell brought down Jordan Roberts.

Gallagher levelled for the visitors from a free-kick soon after he was brought off the bench, but Preston were reduced to 10 men soon after when Maxwell was dismissed for a second yellow card.

As Alex Neil's side had made all three substitutions, Gallagher was forced to go in goal but Ipswich failed to find a way past him.

Ipswich appointed former Norwich City boss Lambert as manager after sacking Paul Hurst and the Scot watched from the stands as they were beaten by Millwall last time around.

However, his side remain bottom of the Championship following the result and are still five points adrift of Preston, who are outside the bottom three on goal difference courtesy of Gallagher's second-half equaliser.

Their task at Portman Road was made harder when Maxwell was dismissed for a second caution after bringing down Kayden Jackson but they held on to take home a point.

Ipswich manager Paul Lambert:

"I thought we were excellent. I couldn't have asked for any more from the players.

"I thought we needed a focal point today and Jordan Robert was outstanding.

"I'm really proud of the team and what they gave us. The football club has had a hard time over the past couple of months but the fans showed today they're right behind the team."

Preston North End manager Alex Neil:

"If anything the red card galvanised us and we probably had the best chance of the game after that with the chance for Lukas late on.

"I wanted to put Louis in goal but Gally (Gallagher) fancied it and seemed to fancy himself as a goalkeeper. We got a corner and I wanted to bring him out because he's got the best delivery at the club but he did well.

"We are disappointed we haven't got more out of the last few games. I felt we should have won against Rotherham and I felt today we had the chances to win it."