A stunning first-half strike from Ji-Sung Eom from 25-yards proved to be the difference between the two sides on the day as the Swans solidified their place in mid-table.
Žan Vipotnik had the pick of the chances to extend the lead before the break as Boro faltered, but would find visiting goalkeeper Mark Travers in fine form to keep the score to a solitary goal.
The Swans had to show resolute qualities to see out the last period of the match but in the end come the final whistle would be good value for the three points.
After showing improvements in the few weeks under Sheehan, the Swans came into the match looking to end a run of seven games without a win against Middlesbrough.
A stalemate at Deepdale against Preston North End in midweek would make back-to-back clean sheets and four points from six since the Irishman took over as fears over relegation have almost been extinguished.
It is a case of rebuilding for next season for the Swans and a win against a Boro’ side flirting with the play-off places would do no harm for the former Luton coach Sheehan’s chances of gaining the managerial hot seat in the long-term.
The Swans would make one change to their starting X1. Eom coming in for the injured Myles Peart-Harris.
Middlesbrough’s play-off challenge since the turn of the year had taken a dramatic nose dive with five defeats on the trot threatening to derail Michael Carrick’s side’s promotion hopes.
Back-to-back wins against Stoke City and rock-bottom Derby County have reignited hopes but the former Manchester United midfielder would know getting something from the trip to south Wales would be crucial to keep pace with the top-six.
With a lengthy casualty list, Carrick’s task was made a lot harder with captain Luke Ayling pulling out the matchday squad through injury. The Boro’ centre half would be replaced by Ryan Giles, with left-back Neto Borges moving into the heart of defense.
After a fast paced opening, it would be the home side that would start the brighter of the two sides. Visiting goalkeeper Travers called into early action to deny an Eom header, whilst Vipotnik, after an intricate move involving Liam Cullen and Eom would test the Boro goalkeeper from the edge of the box.
The Swans would be dominant in the opening quarter and would deservedly take the lead through an individual strike of quality from Eom.
The South Korean attacker picking up a loose ball 20-yards out before bending a wonderfully placed curling effort into the bottom-right corner for his first goal in Swansea colours.
Sensing further goals the Swans would enjoy the best of the play in the half, looking more like a play-off contender than the visitors, a shadow of the pre-Christmas selves.
Vipotnik would next send Travers into action once more as a neat Swans breakaway would see the Slovenian benefit from Josh Key’s mazy run forward. The on-loan Bournemouth stopper palming the ball wide of the post effectively keeping his side in the contest at the break.
Carrick sent on loan signing Kelechi Ihaenacho at the break and it would be the former Leicester forward who would tee up the first chance of the half. The Nigerian international breaking free, before releasing strike partner Tommy Conway to drive a low effort inches past the Swansea goal.
It would be the Swans who would look the more likely to extend their lead and would be scratching their heads how they hadn’t. Eom’s in-swinging free kick evading everyone with a touch all that would have been needed, whilst substitute Hannes Delcroix would prod a guilt-edged chance over the bar from 12-yards.
At just a goal behind Boro’ would be dangerous and would still have plenty of time to change the complextion of the contest.
A counter attack seeing Conway free on the left to drive an effort on target. Lawrence Vigouroux in the Swansea goal, a bystander for a majority of the contest would be alert to save with his feet from an acute angle.
Ihaenacho would also be wasteful blasting over with time running out. Boro threw numbers forward at the death but it would be Swansea’s day to pick up the three points and cement a position into the middle of the standings.
Swansea City lineup
Lawrence Vigouroux, Josh Tymon, Josh Key, Harry Darling (Hannes Delcroix 62), Ben Cabango (captain), Ronald, Gonçalo Franco, Lewis O’Brien, Ji-Sung Eom (Ollie Cooper 73), Liam Cullen (Jay Futon 80). Žan Vipotnik (Florian Bianchini 73).
Middlesbrough lineup
Mark Travers, Anfernee Dijksteel, Neto Borges, Dael Fry (Jonny Howson 78), Ryan Giles (Samuel Illing-Junior 45), Aiden Morris, Hayden Hackney (captain), Marcus Forss (Kelechi Ihaenacho 45), Finn Azaz, Morgan Whittaker (Delano Burgzorg 69), Tommy Conway.
[Lead image: Swansea City FC]
