Steve Cooper dedicates dramatic victory to the Jack Army

Steve Cooper dedicated Swansea City’s dramatic win over Middlesbrough to the Jack Army on a weekend that marks a year since supporters could last attend games.

Andre Ayew struck his second last-gasp penalty in less than 72 hours as the Swans once again snatched a 2-1 victory with almost the last kick of the match, having done so at Stoke in midweek.

The Ghanaian had opened the scoring late in the first half as he volleyed home after a mix-up in the Middlesbrough defence.

But Sam Morsy’s deflected strike in time added on at the end of the second half looked set to deny the Swans all three points.

However, Jake Bidwell was adjudged to have been fouled by George Saville in the area moments later, and Ayew showed his composure to net his 13th goal of the season.

And, just a day short of a year since the Jack Army had last watched their side in action in a goalless draw with West Brom, head coach Cooper wanted Swansea fans to know they were in the thoughts of he, his staff and his players.

“It wasn’t a fluid game. I think you come up against certain managers and certain styles and you know it will look a certain way at times.

“There was probably too much of that truth be told, but it’s been a busy schedule, just a few days ago we were four hours away and didn’t get back until half three on Thursday morning.

“They had a day’s extra rest than us, they were able to make changes and have a massive squad and options to pick from.

“So, it was going to be tough but if there was ever a message to give to the supporters to say ‘thank you for your support’ having been a year away from the stadium, it’s that this was for them.

“This win was for the Jack Army, because they have seen a team there that is absolutely fighting like mad for them.

“That’s the only thing I care about, the message to the supporters after the difficult year they have had. That one is for them.”