Swansea made it four points from two games under caretaker boss Alan Sheehan as they held FA Cup quarter-finalists Preston 0-0 at Deepdale.
Milutin Osmajic was unable to make the most of some good opportunities for the hosts as Swansea, who went close through substitute Eom Ji-sung, added a draw on the road to the 3-0 home win over Blackburn that they had recorded 10 days earlier in their first match after sacking Luke Williams.
The Welsh side, beaten in seven out of nine Championship games prior to Williams’ dismissal, are now 10 points above the relegation zone in 16th.
They are two points and one place behind Paul Heckingbottom’s Preston, who have won only one of their last six league games.
The contest came three days on from North End securing a first FA Cup last-eight appearance since 1966, in which they will host Aston Villa, with a 3-0 home victory over Burnley.
That match had seen Osmajic make headlines as, after Burnley players refused to shake his hand prior to kick-off and he was booed by Clarets fans, he cupped his ears having scored his 13th goal of the season.
Osmajic had been accused by Burnley midfielder Hannibal Mejbri of racially abusing him when the teams met in the league two weeks earlier – accusations he denies and which are being investigated by the Football Association.
The Montenegro forward retained his place as Heckingbottom made one change from the cup tie, bringing in Sam Greenwood for Stefan Thordarson, while Swansea were unchanged from the Blackburn match.
Swansea made the better start, with Zan Vipotnik heading over and Lewis O’Brien’s drilled effort bringing a save out of Freddie Woodman.
Preston offered little at the other end until a Will Keane strike was blocked in the 25th minute, and Greenwood then headed over before Osmajic saw a shot go the same way from close range via a deflection off Swans defender Josh Key.
Greenwood had another chance late in the first half – shortly after Swansea had been forced to take off Myles Peart-Harris, replacing him with Eom – but his shot was dealt with by Lawrence Vigouroux, who also caught a free-kick from the on-loan Leeds player in stoppage time.
Osmajic then passed up a great opportunity moments into the second half, being played in by Brad Potts only to misjudge his finish as he dragged wide.
Further Swansea blocks thwarted Greenwood and Ryan Ledson, before Eom sent a low free-kick narrowly wide at the other end.
As Preston pushed again, Ledson saw a looping header tipped over, Kaine Kesler-Hayden struck too high and Vigouroux did well to parry a Potts shot, then claim Greenwood’s header on the follow-up.
Osmajic then found himself in another one-v-one situation late on, but he could not take the ball around Vigouroux, the goalkeeper sticking out a leg to divert it away.
Chris Wilder labelled his side’s 2-0 win over Stoke a “proper away performance” as they got back to winning ways.The Blades had seen their automatic promotion hopes ended after losing four of their previous five, including their last three matches away from Bramall Lane.An improved showing saw Sam McCallum, making just his eighth start of the campaign, score late in the first hal...
Goals from Sam McCallum and Andre Brooks ensured Sheffield United returned to winning ways with by beating Stoke 2-0.The Blades had seen their automatic promotion hopes ended after losing four of their previous five, including their last three matches away from Bramall Lane.McCallum had scored just one goal since his summer move from Norwich but popped up at the back post when Rhian Brewster&rsquo...
Partick Thistle stunned title-chasing Falkirk as Terry Ablade secured a dramatic 2-1 William Hill Championship victory in the eighth minute of stoppage time.Thistle were reduced to 10 men after 35 minutes as Stuart Bannigan’s late challenge on Dylan Tait earned the midfielder a second yellow card.The hosts had taken a sixth-minute lead through interim manager Brian Graham’s 19th goal o...
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. Then & Now This Klopp seeing Slot can win the league with 80 points whilst he finished 2nd with 97 No, I won't. Real Madrid released a statement protesting the referee selection for Saturday's Copa del Rey final. Run Forest, run! In comparison Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credit: Justtoonit, originaltrollfootball, Bleache...
WHAT HAPPENED?The Sun has reported Arsenal are ready to make a significant move to bolster their defence with a bid for the Barcelona defender, who has played a crucial role in the Blaugrana's push to win the treble this season.THE BIGGER PICTUREKounde is under contract until 2027 and has established himself as a key part of the Barcelona defence. He has played 51 times in all competitions this se...
Paris Saint-Germain gave serious thought to signing Christopher Nkunku during the winter transfer window but ultimately chose not to move forward. Although he remained at Chelsea, signs now point to a possible departure this summer.Nkunku joined Chelsea from RB Leipzig in 2023 for £52 million, but injuries and competition have kept him from locking down a regular spot in the starting lineup, ...
Ruben Amorim has said he is convinced that Manchester United can land their summer targets even after a disastrous season which could end in failure to qualify for European competition.United's hopes of reaching the Champions League rest on winning the Europa League. Even if they lift the trophy, Amorim's team remain on course for their lowest Premier League finish.The Portuguese coach is plotting...
Rashford urged to move to Newcastle by WrightIan Wright believes Newcastle United would be an ideal club for Marcus Rashford with his future at Manchester United in doubt.Wright told the Ringer FC podcast of a possible deal for Rashford: "It's the kind of signing Newcastle should be making. That would be amazing. That would be dangerous. Rashford at Newcastle? Yeah. That would be really good. I re...
Birmingham boss Chris Davies says the Blues should be very proud of breaking the 100-point barrier.Alex Cochrane’s winner after 75 minutes was hit from 30 yards and was perfectly-placed to find the corner and hand City a 1-0 win at Stevenage.And it takes them onto 102 points with three games remaining.“I’m very proud,” said the Birmingham boss. “Not many teams will ge...
Alex Cochrane’s superb long-range strike was enough to take League One champions Birmingham over the 100-point mark with a 1-0 win at Stevenage.The game was the perfect example of a clash of styles, Birmingham wanting to play it around, but Stevenage aiming to outwork them.Boro arguably would have been happier with their first-half showing, Jordan Roberts pulling a low shot wide of the targe...
- 1 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 2 Cole Palmer’s girlfriend Connie Grace dazzles in low-cut top and mini skirt
- 3 Man Utd & Man City join PSG in race for Akliouche
- 4 We always have a chance – Miron Muslic bullish as Plymouth boost survival hopes
- 5 Tottenham to compete with Man City for defender
- 6 Ten-man Falkirk beaten by Raith as late goals keep title race alive
- 7 Big Brother legend Chanelle Hayes flaunts weight loss in red bikini
- 8 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 9 Daily Laugh - Totttenham 1-2 N Forest
- 10 Liverpool join race to sign attacker Jeremy Monga