'Our fans were fantastic'

Graham Potter paid tribute to the fans for the part they played in Swansea City’s goalless draw at Middlesbrough.

Almost 500 members of the Jack Army made the trek from South West Wales to the North East to back Potter’s men at the Riverside.

And their efforts were rewarded as the Swans became the first team this season to take points off Boro on their own patch.

A spirited defensive display was the key to the Swans’ second goalless draw in three matches.

And Potter felt the travelling fans appreciated what they saw.

“Our supporters were fantastic,” Potter said.

“To have so many come up from Swansea on a journey like this was unbelievable.

“I was actually in the stands watching as a neutral the last time Swansea played here.

“I don’t think there was the same spirit at that time and I think they appreciated what they saw today.”

Potter was an interested onlooker when the Swans last came to Teesside in December 2016, and saw Bob Bradley’s team go down 3-0 on a painful afternoon.

“We were on a break in Sweden at the time and my house was in York,” he explained.

“I came up to watch Middlesbrough against Swansea because I wanted to see Mo Barrow.

“I don’t think it was a particularly good period in Swansea’s history. They had just been beaten by West Brom I think and there was a bit of a negative feel.

“I could understand the supporters’ perspective that day. They have to go through a lot going up and down the country, and I think the spirit the players showed today is good for the supporters to see.”