Harrison Ashby | We dug in and got what we deserved

Harrison Ashby praised a resilient team performance after 10-man Swansea City dug in to earn a point at home against Sunderland.

Charlie Patino was harshly dismissed for a second bookable offence in just the 30th minute, leaving the Swans with a tough challenge ahead against a Black Cats side who are fancied for the play-offs again this term.

But a trio of superb saves from Carl Rushworth, as well as numerous blocks, tackles and clearances from everyone in a white shirt preserved a clean-sheet and earned a point.

Ashby himself was up against one of Sunderland's key players in Jack Clarke, and put in a really good performance - with support from his teammates - to deny the league’s current top scorer any clear-cut sights of goal.

“When you get an early sending off, you know you’ve got to graft. I felt like the lads dug deep and in the end we got what we deserved,” Ashby said.

“I think the general feeling around the changing room is that everyone is together and everyone works for one another.

“It’s a nice feeling when you look over your shoulder and you can see a teammate grafting for you.

“Carl Rushworth is probably my best mate in the changing room, and it’s great to have such a big character and someone who is a big player and can make big saves in games."

The Swans were roared on by a partisan home support as they worked their way to a valuable point, and Ashby thanked them for helping give the team a second wind during tough spells in the game.

“The fans are like our extra player, particularly on days like this, they were on it and they were behind us the whole time," he added.

“I think they understood the effort which goes in when you’re playing a team like Sunderland with 10 men, and what it takes get a draw. We want to say a massive thank you to them.”

Ashby also highlighted the hard work – led by Swans’ goalkeeping coach Martyn Margetson – which goes in on the training ground around set-pieces with and without the ball.

The Swans had to deal with numerous deliveries into their box, including a series of stoppage-time corners, but came through the challenge unscathed.

“We’ve got Marge taking us for set-pieces, he’s one of the best and it and for us to take what we can from him . He improves us every week and that’s showing on the field,” he added.

“Every day, we’re working on it and it’s showing.”