Michael Duff | We showed great resilience and togetherness

Michael Duff praised the resilience of his Swansea City side as they secured a hard-fought 1-0 win over Blackburn Rovers and claimed a first victory at Ewood Park in 52 years.

Liam Cullen scored the winner for the Swans just before the half-hour mark, curling a fine left-footed strike into the far corner of the net after the Swans had pressed and won the ball back high up the pitch.

The visitors had chances to extend their lead, with Jamie Paterson unable to convert a great chance and Jamal Lowe twice being denied by the offside flag, while the forward also had a penalty appeal waved away.

But they stood firm as Rovers pressed for a late leveller to keep a clean sheet and record a third-straight victory on their travels.

“It is always difficult when you come away from home in the Championship. We have had a tough week but I thought we were better with the ball today," said Duff.

“They started well and had a couple of chances, we then tweaked the press and for the next 50 minutes we dominated the game.

“We moved the ball, we passed the ball well and we had chances to score more. Jamal has two disallowed for offside, the second of which is onside, and he could have had a penalty. Pato had a great chance when he got caught in two minds.

“We still had moments after that, but the players gave us everything and showed resilience and togetherness.

“If we keep showing that resilience and togetherness and doggedness then we can do more and more.

“The clean sheet is a really pleasing aspect, every time we have kept a clean sheet I think we have won.

“I enjoyed it, we are really pleased at the end of a typically tough Championship week.”

The Swans boss also thanked the 561 travelling Jacks who roared his side on to victory in Lancashire, with the players and staff sharing the win with the away end at full-time.

“We are pleased for the supporters, it’s a really long way to come. They turn up in their numbers and always make good noise and get behind the team,” he added.

“They have stuck with us all the way through and hopefully the result means they can enjoy what will be a long journey home.”