Garry Monk has declared Thursday a 'moral victory' for the Swans

The Swansea City captain was brought on immediately Neil Taylor saw a first minute red card against Nottingham Forest and was a rock at the heart of the defence as the Swans gained a 0-0 draw - a draw that the skipper has hailed as a "moral victory"

Monk explained to the Evening Post "We've come through adversity to put in a performance like that against a very good team in their own back yard

"We got off to a terrible start, although I thought it was a little harsh on Tayls in the opening two minutes. We got punished very early, but if you look at the first half we controlled it even though we had ten men and they didn't create too much.

"The second half was about controlling the game without the ball and we limited them in the areas that they can hurt you.

"When you do that, you take away some of their weapons.

"We often do training drills where one team is outnumbered and it helps you arrange your shape.

"It came in very handy on Thursday night.

"For us it was a moral victory more than anything.

"It's still half-time though, and there's a lot to be decided on Monday.

"If we don't get a result on Monday, this performance would have been wasted.

"We have to make sure that our attitude is not forgotten by Monday," he added.

"We will take a lot from Thursday night morale-wise because it was a big performance and result.

"To control the game was pleasing, and that's what we have to take into Monday's game.

"It's another cup final to us, and with the home crowd behind us we are hoping it will lift us.

"I hope they see it as a missed opportunity, but I'm sure they'll see it as coming to our place with nothing to lose.

"We know if we keep a clean sheet, then we have a great chance (of making the play-off final).

"We have character in abundance.

"Now it's up to us to show that again on Monday."

Photo: Action Images

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