Steve Cooper | We hope we've made our supporters proud

18th July
First team
Bristol City (H) Cooper and team post match

Steve Cooper hoped Swansea City had made the Jack Army proud after ensuring their play-off push will go down to the wire by beating rivals Bristol City at the Liberty Stadium.

Connor Roberts scored the only goal of the game in SA1, keeping his cool to finish after Conor Gallagher’s long-range strike had come back off the post.

Famara Diedhiou missed a penalty for the visitors in the second half as the Swans guaranteed they will head to Reading on Wednesday night still in with a shot at the top-six finish that would extend their season.

And, after seeing his young side show maturity beyond their years to repel a fightback from a Robins outfit who entered the game still in the play-off hunt themselves, head coach Cooper hoped it was a result supporters would have enjoyed, despite being unable to be present at the match.

“You could see both teams were motivated, and it’s a big game, Bristol is only over the water,” said Cooper.

“I said to the players before the game that when we went there earlier in the season, you could see the supporters were really up for it.

“This game really matters to our supporters, and I reminded them of that.

“Our fans still can’t come to the stadium, and life is not easy for a lot of people at the moment.

Bristol City (H) Roberts Bidwell celebration

“So, I wanted to make sure that, whoever was watching, we made them happy and I think we did that.”

Cooper was also pleased with how his side settled after a slow start at the Liberty, building up a head of steam which got its reward when Roberts slotted home what turned out to be the winner.

“I thought it was a really good game, two teams having a good go at trying to get the win,” he added.

“It took us a bit of time to settle down in the first half, but once we did I thought we played some excellent football.

“We looked a threat, we played through the lines great, and I liked the look of us.

“We were on the front foot and I felt the goal was coming. I am pleased for Connor as he gets in the box a lot and it’s a great time to score.

“In the second half we were penned in a little bit, and we had a lifeline with the penalty hitting the post.

“But we could have gone on and won the game comfortably after that.

“We managed their numerous attacking players really well and I don’t think Erwin (Mulder) had a major save to make, whereas their keeper has had to make some really good saves.

“So, I felt we were good for the win.”