Preston North End 2-1 Swansea City: Late Eom strike not enough as Swans slip to defeat

Swansea City had their chances, but ultimately ended up empty-handed after suffering a narrow defeat at Preston North End.

Thierry Small's stunning strike put the hosts in front after just nine minutes, before Milutin Osmajic added a second just after the break.

Substitute Eom Jisung pulled one back with his first goal of the season late on, but Preston held on to claim all three points.

Not for the first time this season, a lack of cutting edge up front proved costly for City, who are now six points adrift of the Championship's top six in 17th place.

The Swans have also won just one of their last five Championship outings, although they may well feel they deserved more from this contest.

That said, the hosts made a great start at Deepdale, and took the lead in fine style after just nine minutes.

Kaelan Casey could only half-clear a knock-down from Andrew Hughes, with the onrushing Small seizing on the loose ball and belting home a thunderous effort from around 25 yards.

Swansea responded reasonably positively, but couldn't really fashion a clear-cut chance in the opening 20 minutes or so.

Adam Idah did eventually force Preston goalkeeper Daniel Iversen into a save just before half an hour, although his angled effort always looked unlikely to creep in.

Liam Cullen, one of two changes from the draw at Charlton Athletic, poked an effort into the arms of Iversen moments later, with Ethan Galbraith thrashing a speculative effort just wide from the resulting corner

Swansea were growing into the game, with both Idah and Cullen both coming close before the interval.

Idah fired narrowly wide from the edge of the box, while Cullen's rasping effort a couple of minutes later was parried away by Iversen.

Swansea were arguably unlucky to head