Joe Allen | We owe home supporters better performances, hopefully that’s the start

Joe Allen wants Swansea City's victory and performance against Blackburn Rovers to be the start of an improved run of home form in front of the Jack Army.

The midfielder opened the scoring in the seventh minute at the Swansea.com Stadium as he converted from close range.

Jamie Paterson added a second in the 19th minute and the Swans deservedly held the lead at half-time.

The second half was far more scrappy and Sammie Szmodics’ goal in the 68th minute meant that the Swans had to show character to secure the points and leapfrog Rovers in the table.

Head coach Luke Williams and his players have spoken about the importance of improving their home form, and Allen felt the result and display were a step in the right direction.

“First of all, it was a very important win after a great victory away at Sunderland,” he said.

“I think we can perform better, we did that in spells but I thought we showed good resilience to see the win out and secure the three points.

“We’re desperate to get better results and perform better at home. It hasn’t happened as much as we would have liked this season, and I think we owe our home supporters more points and performances and hopefully that’s the first win of many.

“The fans were brilliant. They make so much difference. It’s a two-way street and we have to give them reason to back us and support us. We’re really grateful for that.

“It’s great that we can show both sides of the game, but that’s the one thing – we wish we could have played a bit better in the second half and made things a little bit easier by keeping a clean sheet and stopping the opportunity for them to load the box and try to cause trouble.

“Our aim going forward will be to make the performance last 90 minutes.”

The Blackburn match was Allen’s third consecutive start for the Swans, and he’s repaid the head coach's faith with an assist and a goal.

“I’m pleased with that,” added the former Wales international.

“It doesn’t happen too often, so I’m pleased to get on the scoresheet and it’s an added bonus when it contributes to a win.

“I’ve been waiting in the wings and itching to start games. I think we’ve got good competition in the squad, and you could see the strength of the bench.

"It’s great to have, and it means that anyone starting games has to perform consistently and that’s what I’ll need to do to keep my place in the team."