Jason Scotland scored one and Jordi Gomez the other two as the Swans returned to winning ways against Doncaster at the Liberty

After seeing a long unbeaten run surrendered at Watford on Tuesday night it was important for the Swans to return to winning ways against Doncaster - not least because they are yet to lose two league games in succession in the same season under Roberto.

And whilst their visitors may have given them a little scare in the first half it was a very deserved win for the Swans who passed the fifty point barrier in the process - a target that many said they would have been happy with this season the difference being we still have almost a third of the season left to play.

And with the Swans in 9th place - just two points off 4th - there is still a very strong possibility that our season will extend beyond the 46 league games it was originally scheduled for.

And let's be fair here we weren't at our best today but had too much for a Doncaster side that arrived themselves on the back of an eight game unbeaten run that had banished initial fears of relegation.  And their misery was compounded when influential midfielder Richie Wellens was sent off for a second bookable offence with around ten minutes to go.

The Swans were dealt a blow on the day of the match when skipper Garry Monk was ruled out with back spasms - a problem that should be resolved in time for him to face Fulham on Tuesday night.  His place was taken by Albert Serran with Alan Tate taking over the captain duties for the day.

Dorus

Rangel     Serran     Williams     Tateinho

Dyer     Britton     Gomez     Allen     Gower

Scotland

Swansea struggled to stamp an early authority on the game and it was probably no real surprise when hesitation in the Swans defence led to Doncaster taking the lead just past the ten minute mark.   Dorus seemed rooted to his line as the vistors broke through and after it looked as if the Swans may clear the danger the excellent Coppinger was on hand to stab home and give the away team hope of continuing their excellent form.

The Swans were being closed down at every opportunity at this point in the game and it was becoming a bit of a struggle to get the passing game going.   But it wasn't far round the corner and Gower and Tate were causing endless problems for Doncaster on the left hand side when the first penalty shout of the afternoon for a push on Scotland was turned down.  But the Swans were now in the game and Tateinho (who needs Robinho?) burst into the box only to be caught from behind giving Mr Mathieson little option but to point to the penalty spot.

Scotland doesn't need asking twice and he sent the keeper the wrong way to level the scores and spark a twenty minute period where the Swans laid siege to the Donny goal.  Scotland, Gomez and Gower were running the show at this point and the Swans probably should have been able to turn the pressure into a goal but it wasn't to be before half time - a break that was delayed by a serious looking injury to Coppinger that saw him stretchered off the pitch to be replaced by former Swansea man Jason Price.

The second half started with a similair pattern to the first although Doncaster were intent on niggling fouls that were often punished with a free kick but a lenient referee as far as bookings went let much pass.  Swansea were controlling possession but Doncaster always seemed to have a threat going forward.  Gower came close again - denied by the keeper - whilst the threat from the left in the first half was replaced by an inspired Angel Rangel on the right to whom Doncaster had no answer.

Bauza had replaced Allen and he had a big part in the Swans second as his persistance saw him move clear on the right and after picking Scotland out with the cross, the striker set up Jordi who scored the second and the Swans were ahead.

It was too much for Wellens who was outdone by Gomez in the centre circle and bought him down for his second yellow card whilst the Swans were keeping possession for fun and a move that seemed as if it must have had 30+ passes in it ended with Scotland firing just wide as the home team looked to kill off their visitors.

And they did just that in stoppage time.  Scotland was again the provider as Gomez scored his second and the points were secure for the Swans with attention now able to turn to the FA Cup.

I still firmly believe that this side will end in the play offs as a bare mininum - take Watford out of the equation and the football is superb, the results excellent and the results exactly what we deserve.   13 games to go - let's hope it is a lucky 13 for the Swans.

Onwards.

Photo: Action Images

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