Cooper | Boro win down to hard work and fighting spirit

Steve Cooper felt Swansea City’s last gasp win over Middlesbrough was reward for their hard work and fighting spirit.

As had been the case in the midweek win over Stoke, the Swans overcame setbacks to find a way to take all three points.

At the bet365 Stadium they had fallen behind early but took the spoils thanks to Andre Ayew’s cool penalty.

And they doubled the dose against Boro at the Liberty as – having just conceded a stoppage-time equaliser – they again hit back with Ayew netting the winner from the spot.

It left Cooper delighted with the attitude and application of his players, on an afternoon where they had to battle hard for the result in an often scrappy encounter.

“Sometimes you have to accept the game for what it is, roll up your sleeves and win,” said Cooper.

“In the end, we made two substitutions and one has got down the side and cut the ball back, and the other has got fouled inside the box.

“That shows the togetherness of the group.

“I know you don’t normally see things like this (two late penalties in the space of a few days) but it’s not the rub of the green, it’s because we are working hard.

“It’s pure hard work and spirit, and the pride to play for the football club.

“To see that desire right to the end, shows our commitment to do our best for the club and the community.”