Swansea City fought all the way through the game with only a few dodgy moments to deservedly win this championship encounter. Russell Martin will be delighted this evening after seeing leads slip since the start of the season. The real surprises were the introduction of Steven Benda for Andy Fisher and Michael Obafemi not even on the bench. We will have more on that as soon as it’s confirmed.

Swansea started the game with more energy than their opponents and the silly goal kick restart was replaced with a more direct approach by the surprise swans selection in goal. Although the swans defence did leave spaces out wide for Ethan Laird to expose, Ryan Manning who again was having a great game ensured the time Laird had on the ball was minimal. A questionable hand ball in the QPR penalty area by was deemed enough for penalty to be awarded by referee Olivier Langford, it was very much fifty fifty. Unfortunately Joel Piroe who has scored from the spot already this season put his effort to the keepers left and it was saved. He really does need to freshen up his tactics when taking penalties.

Swansea took more control of the game, the weakness being Matt Grimes in midfield who gave the ball away on several occasions. However, Oli Cooper who deservedly started the game in a more advanced role for the swans was again aggressive and sharp on the ball. A defensive error by QPR led to Cooper picking the ball up just outside of the area before knocking his pass to his right, it was an easy opportunity for Piroe to put his side one up.

There could have been more, a shot cleared off the line and a wild snatch by Cooper could have increased the lead. Testament to the swans energy in the half were both Grimes and Jamie Paterson picking up yellow cards, the latter closing down and running relentlessly. The lynch pin this afternoon for the swans was the industrious Joe Allen who is fitting in perfectly in the midfield. It could have been more at half time with only a few chances for QPR in the first forty five. The best of which saw Benda dive to his left and comfortably collect from a poor Willock finish.

The second half was completely different despite both Ben Cabango and yet again Piroe missing a sitter in front of goal with his head. The introductions of Fin Stevens, Armstrong Oko-Flex and Luke Cundle after Liam Cullen went off with a really nasty shoulder injury at last showed some strength in depth. All three did little wrong and obviously need more time to settle in to the ways of the manager.

A clear penalty decision was turned down for the swans when Oli Cooper was brought down in the penalty area and a resolute defence for the first time this season saw the game out. It wasn’t without a nerve jangling end to the game but clearances by Benda took the pressure off his defenders. It was a deserved win for Swansea, no doubt about that which see’s them climb to seventeenth in the championship this evening. Next up after a weeks training and well deserved rest are Birmingham City at St Andrews.

The blues can expect another very large travelling support as the swans can now look upwards at last.

Swansea City: Benda; Naughton, Wood, Cabango, Manning; Allen (Fulton 74), Grimes (C); Sorinola (Cullen 60) (Stevens 64), O Cooper (Cundle 74), Paterson (Oko-Flex 60); Piroe.

Subs not used: Fisher, Darling.

Goal: Piroe 21

Yellow cards: Grimes 34, Paterson 39, Piroe 77

Queens Park Rangers: Dieng; Laird, Dickie (Balogun 81), Dunne, Paal; Dozzell (Adomah 70), Field (Iroegbunam 70), Johansen (C); Chair, Dykes (Roberts 60), Willock (Armstrong 81).

Subs not used: Archer, Kakay.

Attendance: 15,935

Away approx 700.

Referee: Oliver Langford 6/10 : Not helped by his assistants who were quite frankly awful.

Photographs licensed from Reuters

ReslovenSwan1 added 17:41 - Sep 3 Five welshmen on the field at some point which is good to see. I hope Obafemi is not going to play up for no purpose.
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