Preston vs Swansea Match Recap - Nov 5, 2025

Preston's Resilience Shines as They Edge Swansea 2-1 in Championship Clash

Preston North End showcased their fighting spirit with a 2-1 victory over Swansea City at Deepdale, a result that solidifies their position in the Championship playoff race while leaving Swansea searching for answers. The match unfolded with a blend of early dominance from Preston and a late surge from Swansea, encapsulating the contrasting narratives of both teams' recent forms.

Thierry Small opened the scoring for Preston in the 8th minute, capitalizing on a moment of defensive disarray from Swansea. Small's goal was a testament to Preston's attacking intent, reflecting their recent resurgence after a shaky spell that included a disappointing loss to Birmingham. This early strike set the tone for a match where Preston, despite being outshot and out-possessed, displayed an uncanny ability to convert their limited chances into goals.

The second half saw Milutin Osmajić double Preston's lead just four minutes after the restart. His goal in the 49th minute came as a reward for Preston's tactical discipline and resilience. Despite having only 47% possession throughout the match, Preston's efficiency was evident as they managed to score twice from just three total shots. This stark contrast to Swansea's 11 total shots underlines the effectiveness of Preston's counter-attacking strategy, which has become a hallmark of their recent performances.

Swansea, sitting precariously in 17th place before this match, struggled to find their rhythm. Their recent form had shown promise with a win against Norwich, but today they faced a Preston side that was resolute in defense. The Swans dominated possession with 64%, yet their inability to convert this into meaningful chances proved costly. They managed only three shots on target, failing to capitalize on their territorial advantage.

The introduction of Ji-sung Eom in the 70th minute provided Swansea with a spark. Eom's persistence paid off when he found the net in the 80th minute, giving Swansea a glimmer of hope. However, it was too little too late. Despite their late goal, Swansea could not find an equalizer, leaving them with just one win in their last five matches. This inconsistency continues to plague them as they look to climb out of the lower half of the table.

Preston's victory is particularly significant given their recent form. After a mixed bag of results that included two wins and two losses in their last five matches, this win against Swansea marks a crucial step forward. The confidence gained from this match could be pivotal as they prepare for their next fixture against Millwall. With Lewis Dobbin and Daniel Jebbison both contributing significantly in recent weeks, Preston's attacking options appear to be clicking at just the right time.

For Swansea, the defeat raises questions about their ability to compete consistently in the Championship. Coach Alan Sheehan will need to address the defensive lapses that allowed Preston to score twice despite being under pressure for much of the match. The reliance on individual brilliance from players like Gonçalo Franco and Adam Idah has not been enough to secure points recently, and they must find a way to work more cohesively as a unit.

As both teams look ahead, Preston can take heart from their performance today, while Swansea must regroup quickly if they hope to avoid slipping further down the standings. The Championship is unforgiving, and today's match served as a reminder that resilience and efficiency often outweigh possession and attempts on goal.