Rob Davies
The frustration was evident on Tuesday night after a limp performance saw the Swans come away with nothing against a poor Watford team.
But just as we were favourites on Tuesday, Blackburn were yesterday. And thanks to a second half defensive masterclass it was once again 1-0 to the away side.
Such is the way of the Championship the play off places are five points and seven places away with all eyes now turning to the game against top six chasing Sunderland on Saturday.
And largely the Swans were good value for the win yesterday after a shaky start which could have seen the hosts a couple of goals up. The team took control after 15 minutes up until about 75 when the inevitable Blackburn pressure came.
Michael Duff made two hanges to his line up with Pedersen and Fulton dropping out for Tymon and Patino which automatically brings more balance and creativity to the side.
Rushworth
Ashby – Darling – Humphreys – Tymon
Patino – Grimes – Paterson
Cullen – Yates – Lowe
As mentioned above some poor defending allowed Rovers in twice early on with the most gilt edged chance coming in the first minute as the ball was played across the box but Brittain agonisingly slipped the ball past the far post.
Then came two moments of controversy as Swansea eased themselves into control; Jamal Lowe having the ball in the back of the net twice only to be ruled out for offside.
Duff was adamant post match that the second of those was onside and the radio commentators believed the same. But as seems typical lately (handball in Leicester game, disallowed goal vs Watford) the rub of the green was not with us.
Tearing Rivers open at this point, Darling found Cullen on the right side of the box and he cut past home defenders to unleash a curling, dipping strike into the corner for 1-0.
It was quite the statement for somebody who has come under his fair share of criticism despite, in my view, always giving 100% for rhe cause and playing in a variety of positions across the front.
Duff confirmed talks were ongoing to sign him to a new contract and with fellow Championship sides circling (like yesterday’s opponents) it’s surely a no brainer.
The first half flew by in a game where both sides could have scored a couple and rather irritating Jon Dahl Tommasson threw on two substitutes at the interval to try and pull the game back.
It stays with me that Blackburn’s manager and social media account were very quick to mock the Swans and Martin over the past season after two defeats so winning this one is all the sweeter.
Indeed it could have been 2-0 had Paterson been more clinical but again the elusive goal evaded him as the high press brought a glorious chance 18 yards out only for the keeper to palm it wide.
Then the Swans had a penalty appeal waved away as Lowe charged towards goal but the defender’s contact was deemed to be insufficient for a spot kick to be awarded.
Blackburn did then press for the equaliser with arguably the best chances falling to Szmodics and Rankin-Costello, the latter clean through but shooting wide of target.
Overall a very satisfying result after the misery of two defeats now behind us and a tough game against Sunderland to come before the visit to the surprise package of the Championship, Ipswich Town. This run certainly doesn’t get easier but 15 points from 7 games can’t be argued with.
The Swans finish the weekend in 13th.
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