London, Dec 29 (IANS): Jamaican forward Jermaine Beckford’s second goal in nine days was enough to earn Preston North End a share of the points against Crewe but in-form Trinidadian striker Kenwyne Jones’s third goal in four games came too late to save Cardiff City from a hiding at the hands of Watford.

Playing in League One, the 31-year-old Beckford levelled for Preston to snatch a 1-1 draw at Alexandra Stadium Sunday, while in the Championship, Jones struck in the dying seconds at Cardiff City to earn a consolation goal for the hosts in a 2-4 drubbing against Watford, reports CMC.

Following a goalless first half in north-west England, the game came to life in the last 10 minutes of the second half when teenaged substitute George Cooper ran on to Nicky Ajose’s pass to open the scoring for Crewe in the 81st minute.

Preston, lying third in the table on 45 points and three off leaders Bristol City, were back on level terms just two minutes later when Beckford - on loan from Bolton - netted his fourth of the season and second for his new club.

In Wales, Adam Le Fondre put Cardiff ahead in the 20th minute with a header but Watford responded with four unanswered goals - two on either side of half-time - to leave the hosts 1-4 down after 83 minutes.

Jones’ headed goal came with the game done and dusted in injury time but it gave him his ninth goal of the season.