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Wales Online
Wales Online
Sport
Ian Mitchelmore

Swansea City player ratings as Piroe immense again and Allen sublime despite red card

ANDY FISHER 7

Commanded his box well when Preston went direct and impressed with the ball at his feet. Didn't have a save to make in the first-half. Helpless with Tom Cannon's effort after the restart but can be pleased with his showing, even after Troy Parrott's effort.

HARRY DARLING 8

Another composed showing at right-back while he always gave support to those further up the pitch. In the right place to nod home his fourth goal of the campaign to put Swansea in complete control before half-time. Cynical but clever yellow card at the death.

BEN CABANGO 8

As with those around him at the back, Cabango showed immense confidence in tight areas and kept Tom Cannon quiet in the first-half. Tougher second-half as Preston rallied, but Cabango stood up to the challenge.

READ MORE: Russell Martin wants to spend all summer annoyed, Woodman 'fell in love' with club and Piroe says same

NATHAN WOOD 8

What more can you say about the man? Looks a cut above in everything he does in possession and played a huge role in the impact those had further up the field. Battled so well in the second-half as the game got grittier, but his awareness was terrific.

JOEL LATIBEAUDIERE 8

Operating at left-back, Latibeaudiere can be more than pleased with his efforts given the switch of roles. Pressed well and was generally comfortable on the ball, even after another switch of position.

MATT GRIMES 8

Had the freedom of the Swansea.com Stadium at times given the amount of space Preston were affording the home side in the middle of the field.

JOE ALLEN 8

Showed real composure before picking out Joel Piroe to open the scoring with just over a minute on the clock. It set the tone for what was a wonderful display. The Welshman oozed class in possession and did heaps of defensive work too while drilling home his first goal for the club since April 2012. Subbed to a standing ovation. Sent off after a clash with Ryan Lowe late on though, but, on the pitch, he was immense.

RYAN MANNING 8

The Irishman wreaked havoc from a more advanced position and did ever so well in the build-up to Allen's goal. Put in a fine free-kick for Darling's headed effort at the end of the opening half too.

OLLIE COOPER 7

Made so many inviting runs and played a pivotal role in Swansea's second goal, setting Manning free on the left with a firm pass in behind the Preston defence. Subbed.

JOEL PIROE - Star Man 9

Cool finish from close range to give Swansea a dream start, and he tormented the Preston defence in the first-half. Showed great composure to tee up Allen for his side's second and took his second - in injury-time - remarkably well. What a player he is.

LIAM CULLEN 7

Battled well in the first-half and more than played his part in his side's dominant showing. Tougher second and was duly withdrawn.

Subs

Jay Fulton (for Allen) - Brought some grit to proceedings and helped the Swans regain some control and play out from the back. 7

Liam Walsh (for Cullen) - Really made a difference with game management and some of his touches. Did well to prod into the path of Piroe for Swansea's fourth goal. 7

Olivier Ntcham (for Cooper) - Spurned a great chance on a counter. 6

Morgan Whittaker (for Piroe) - Too late to make an impact. N/A

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