Joe Thomas | We showed the resolve to get a vital win

Swansea City Under-21s’ matchwinner Joe Thomas hailed the mentality shown by the development squad after they all-but booked their place in the Professional Development League play-offs with a 1-0 victory over Birmingham City.

The under-21s maintained their 100 per cent record at the Swansea.com Stadium over the past two seasons as Thomas scored the only goal of the game, steering in a corner in first-half stoppage time.

It means the Swans will face Sheffield United in the play-off semi-finals, provided Bournemouth do not win their final game of the league season by a 14-goal margin.

Thoams was delighted with his goal, but acknowledged the importance of the whole team showing the resolve to see the game out in a tight contest. 

“It’s a great feeling, we knew our objectives before the game and we knew that we had to get the win,” he said. 

“We stuck to our plan and kept the ball really well and to get the only goal to win the game is great for me and the boys. 

“We always pride ourselves on set pieces and it is something we work on every day, whether that be offensively or defensively, so to get a goal from them is a great feeling.

“It is all well and good scoring the only goal, but it’s about the boys putting their bodies on their line. Evan (Watts) making some great saves, which is just as important as scoring a goal. 

“We set objectives at the start of the season, and I think we have achieved them and even surpassed them, it’s been a really positive season for all of us as a squad. 

“Now we just have to see what we can do in the play-offs if we get the chance.”