Luke Williams | We were clinical and then defended really well

Head coach Luke Williams praised the mix of clinical finishing and spirited defending that allowed his Swansea City side to secure a 2-1 win over Derby County, and only a second away win over the Rams in just over 40 years.

The Swans had led inside two minutes when Žan Vipotnik lashed home an unstoppable left-footed drive after good build up.

And Ronald doubled the advantage when he calmly steered home a classy through ball from Liam Cullen.

But Derby, who had lost just once at home prior to this fixture, fought back and piled concerted pressure on the Swans during the second half.

They pulled a goal back courtesy of a Nathaniel Mendez-Laing penalty, but the Swans’ determined rearguard effort ensured they returned to winning ways.

“We started the game really well, I think in the first 25 minutes or so we were very, very good,” said Williams.

“But probably from that point on we lost a grip of the game if I am honest, and Derby were excellent for an hour.

“We defended incredibly well and I am happy with that.

“We were very clinical with the goals, and that was just as well because we had a lot of defending to do after that.

“We had some good build-up play, Vipi has scored with a hammer of a drive and then an intricate pass from Liam Cullen and a smart finish from Ronald.

“From then Derby applied so much pressure, we had to stand up to that as they have done many times and I am proud of them for that. We rose to the challenge.”