Championship: Obafemi scores and Manning off as Swans beat Blackburn

Blackburn missed the chance to close the gap at the top of the Sky Bet Championship after slipping to a 1-0 defeat at Swansea, who played almost all the second half with 10 men.

Republic of Ireland striker Michael Obafemi headed the Swans – who had lost their last two league games – into the lead in the 16th minute from Jamie Paterson's looping cross.

Rovers went close to an equaliser before half-time when captain Darragh Lenihan’s header came back off the post and John Buckley sent the rebound over.

Swansea had defender Ryan Manning sent off in the 55th minute after picking up a second yellow card for a high challenge on fellow Irishman Lenihan.

Blackburn, though, could not conjure a way back into the match – with Lenihan sending two late chances just wide – and sit five points behind Fulham, but now having played two games more.

Blackpool closed to within five points of the play-off places with a 3-1 home win over Bristol City.

CJ Hamilton and Gary Madine struck with two goals in the space of three minutes just before half-time.

Josh Bowler added a third soon after the restart, with Nahki Wells scoring a late consolation for the visitors.

Hull’s three-match winning run came to an end after Preston secured a 1-0 victory at the MKM Stadium.

Cameron Archer, who had hit the post during the first half, broke the deadlock in the 51st minute.

Tigers forward Tom Eaves had an effort disallowed as Preston held out for all three points to move 11th.