Rob DaviesSwans boss Russell Martin was proud of his team after a 0-0 draw with QPR at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium this evening.
It caps off an encouraging ten days for the Swans, picking up five points out of a possible nine and conceding just a single goal.
Ben Hamer in reality has rarely been troubled in all three games as a direct indicator that the defence has drastically improved.
It’s at the other end that there are issues to be ironed out, with Joel Piroe struggling for decent service from midfield and the team lacking creativity in the absence of the much talked about Jamie Paterson.
That situation will undoubtedly be resolved in the next week, and hopefully one way or another we can start to look more potent in front of goal to combine with the much improved backline.
Martin also commented on Flynn Downes’ red card; something he put down to the experience of Charlie Austin in baiting the midfielder into a second booking.
The Swans boss told the media after the match: “A couple of scary moments against a team that are in really good form, but I thought they were great. I’m really proud of the team.
“I asked them to come here and show courage and be the team we want to be, and they did that.
“We were dominant for large periods on a pitch that has not been cut or watered. It’s the opposition’s prerogative. But the boys showed some serious courage. Good mentality.”
On Downes’ red card: “I’m frustrated by it. I think Charlie has been really clever. He tried to do it a couple of minutes before, he knows he’s on a yellow card.
“He knows that Flynn plays in a certain way. Maybe a lesson for Flynn to learn. I don’t know what you want him to do when the guy’s got him in a headlock.
“If I’m his manager I’d be patting him on the back. I think the fourth official has been played a bit.
“I don’t think he steps out of line at any point. I thought he was great tonight. I’ll have to have a look at it properly. But I’m sure he will learn from that.”
