Neil thrust new signing Nmecha into the starting line up as the youngster replaced Moult in playing the lone striker role. Barker was used as a substitute.
It was a wet and drizzly day with the rain starting several hours before kick off making for a slick surface. Preston had issues with starting late last season and against Swansea they only kicked into gear when they were behind.
Swansea started the better as Preston were sloppy in most aspects of their play including defensively. Whilst the conditions could be blamed it seemed that Swansea had no issue in taking the initiative.
After ten minutes McKay was put through with Browne in pursuit. The youngster had one of his poorer games in a Preston shirt. He stuck his foot out and brought down the Swansea player.
The initial foul appeared to take place outside the box but due to the wet McKay slid and fell into the box. A penalty was given but Rudd pushed McBurnie's spot kick around the corner.
Preston still failed to wake up and were soon behind. Fisher was unlucky to have been adjudged to foul his man out on the right when he seemed to get the ball.
The free kick was cleared but ended out on the Swansea right where a cross was made without much opposition. Fulton headed home at the near post to give Swansea the lead.
Swansea had to change their keeper shortly afterwards due to injury but for the remainder of the half, despite the sloppy conditions, Preston failed to test the keeper.
North End played better in the second half and were much improved. Harrop looked to have the undoing of the defence so it was strange to see him replaced by Burke around the hour mark.
There were chances for a number of players. Robinson had a couple of wayward shots. Nmecha nearly stole in on a loose ball whilst the Swansea keeper was made to work.
Again North End lacked the clinical edge which would have given them the equaliser. Only time will tell if Nmecha is the answer but Preston cannot afford to give Championship sides a lead if they want to take all three points.