Vitor Matos | Second-half performance can be fuel for the challenges ahead

Vitor Matos urged his Swansea City side to use their second-half showing against Millwall as “fuel” for the challenges ahead, despite suffering late heartbreak in their 2-1 defeat at The Den.

The Swans were defeated in south-east London when Caleb Taylor headed home deep into four minutes of stoppage time.

The hosts had led at the break through Mihailo Ivanovic’s turn and finish, and would have led by more were it not for a series of outstanding saves by Lawrence Vigouroux, who denied Ivanovic, Macaulay Langstaff, Camiel Neghli and Femi Azeez.

But Swansea improved after the goal and levelled early in the second half when Ben Cabango turned in Jay Fulton’s flick on.

The remainder of the game was a far more even contest, with Max Crocombe in the Millwall goal denying Fulton’s deflected shot, while Vigouroux made an brilliant stop from Jake Cooper.

But Taylor snatched the three points for the play-off chasing hosts when he rose high at the far post.

It was a cruel way to lose, but Matos felt there is plenty his side can take from how they performed after the break against a Lions side with one of the best home records in the Championship.

“In the first half Millwall came with a lot of intensity and energy, and we were not able to find our momentum or consistency with the ball,” he said.

“We were not able to find the free men to start our attacks and put us in better positions, and that meant had the better of the game.

“The second half was completely different, we came with more energy and our positioning was better as well. The willingness to push the game was there on our side and it was better.

“But we knew this was a game that would be decided by details. Given the number of games in a short space of time we knew it would be little things that would make the difference, and they were not on our side 

“I think we can view the second half as a step (in our performance) and make sure we take that into the next one.

“We all felt we needed more energy and intensity, we felt it could turn the game for us, we were able to do that and it is important that we use that as fuel for the next games.”

Matos praised Vigouroux’s superb showing, and acknowledged the goalkeeper had been very unfortunate to end up on the losing side after he had done so much to ensure the Swans were within moments of a positive result.

“I think he was outstanding,” added the Swans boss.

“He was one of the main factors in keeping us in the game. He was brilliant and he has been brilliant.

“I like him a lot, the boys like him a lot, and he is a great character.

“I am really happy with him, but not happy that we did not give him the point his performance deserved,”

Matos also confirmed that Josh Key could be available for next weekend’s FA Cup tie against West Bromwich Albion after missing out with a deep cut on his foot.