Jamie Paterson delivered a stoppage-time winner, securing all three points for Swansea City in their final home game of 2023 against Preston North End at the Swansea.com Stadium.
Breaking the deadlock in superb fashion on the hour mark, Paterson expertly sent a lovely pass from Matt Grimes into the bottom corner, marking his fourth goal of the season. However, the lead was short-lived as Liam Millar found room to beat Carl Rushworth and level for Preston seven minutes later.
In the fifth of seven added minutes, Paterson completed his brace, sweeping home left-footed after Liam Cullen capitalized on a poor pass.
While Swansea dominated territory and possession, they faced difficulty breaking down a resolute visiting defence, but ultimately Sheehan’s team will have been relieved to record their first home win in seven games.
The Swans’ starting line-up remained unchanged from the 2-1 home defeat against Middlesbrough last weekend, and Joe Allen returned from injury to feature on the bench.
Speaking after the game, Swans interim Head Coach Alan Sheehan said “It was not pretty, but it was all about the result“.
Next up for the Swans is a trip to Southampton on Boxing Day, when they come face to face with former boss Russell Martin.
Team Lineups
Swansea City: Carl Rushworth, Josh Key (Kyle Naughton 82), Jay Fulton, Ben Cabango, Harry Darling (Jerry Yates 69), Matt Grimes (captain), Jamal Lowe (Liam Cullen 87), Jamie Paterson, Josh Tymon (Nathan Wood 82), Liam Walsh (Yannick Bolasie 69), Bashir Humphreys.
Unused Substitutes: Andy Fisher, Joe Allen, Charlie Patino, Ollie Cooper.
Preston North End: Dai Cornell, Liam Linday, Alan Browne (captain) (Ben Woodburn 94), Ched Evans (Milutin Osmajic 77), Robbie Brady (Liam Millar 44), Ali McCann, Jordan Storey, Andrew Hughes, Ryan Ledson, Duane Holmes (Mads Frokjaer-Jensen 77), Brad Potts.
Unused Substitutes: Freddie Woodman, Ben Whiteman, Will Keane, Jack Whatmough, Kian Best.
Referee: Robert Madley
Attendance: 15,098
Match Highlights
Watch highlights of the Swans late victory over Preston North End at the Swansea.com stadium.
Feature Image Credit: Swansea City Football Club