Mike van der Hoorn wants repeat performance

Mike van der Hoorn has called for a repeat performance from Swansea City as they face Brentford for a place in the Championship play-off final.

Steve Cooper’s side take a slender advantage to Griffin Park on Wednesday (7.45pm) after Andre Ayew’s superb strike saw off the Bees 1-0 at the Liberty Stadium on Sunday evening.

Ayew, who had struck the post in the opening 45 minutes, recovered from seeing his second-half penalty saved by lashing home a volley into the top corner in the 81st minute against a Brentford side that had seen Rico Henry sent off just past the hour mark.

It means the Swans go into Wednesday’s fixture in West London – the last game to be played at Griffin Park – with their noses slightly in front.

And van Der Hoorn, who played his first 90 minutes since returning from an injury which had sidelined him since January, wants to see a similar performance from the Swans.

“It was a typical play-off game,” said the centre-back. “It was the first leg, so both teams were quite edgy. You saw some restriction because of the second leg coming, but to nick it at the end was perfect.

“I’m happy with the win, but you always want to score more because they had a man down.

“Before the game we’d have taken a 1-0 lead, so we’re happy, but it’s far from over.

“We have a 1-0 lead, but you can’t just defend that and hope for the best. We must play with the same attitude and intensity.”

The Dutchman was part of a Swans backline which helped to limit Brentford's dangerous attack after a bright start from the visitors, as the Championship’s top scorers failed to find the net for only the second time in 18 games.

That defensive effort ensured the Swans now have a platform to work from in the second leg on Wednesday.

“We’re happy with the clean sheet; not letting them score was very important,” added the 27-year-old.

“They have quality up front. The numbers speak for themselves; they’re the top scorers in the league, so we’re very happy to come away with a clean sheet. The game is not finished; it’s half-time.

“It’s another game in a few days, but we’re fortunate enough that our opponents have to deal with the same scenarios.

“It’s now about which team is the fittest. It’s also about mentality – if you win, you might not feel the pain but if you lose, you may feel the pain a bit more. For us, it’s good that we’re winning.”