An own goal from Zimbabwean midfielder Andy Rinomhota proved to be the difference on the day in a forgettable contest between two sides with nothing to play for in the table.
The victory would not be perfect by any means for Swansea head coach Luke Williams but would be a sign of progress with the home side gaining only their second double of the campaign. Whilst back-to-back victories for only the third time this season and a third home clean sheet in four games will hit the tick boxes for the Swans boss as he assesses his squad in the final three games before the summer break.
The hosts came into the game looking to complete only their second double of the season off the back of a hard-earned victory in SA1 on Wednesday night.
Relegation fears would be alleyed as Stoke City would be dispatched comfortably 3-0 to all but secure the Swans Championship status for the seventh successive season. Goals from Liam Cullen, Matt Grimes and Josh Key sealed a much-needed first win since the south Wales derby for the home side nearly a month ago.
Head coach Williams had challenged his players to back-up the performance having completed back-to-back victories only twice in the current campaign. The Londoner looking for consistency to end the season strongly opted unsurprisingly for an unchanged side from the win against the Potters.
Visitors Rotherham away day blues continued in the midlands in midweek going down 2-0 to play-off contenders West Bromwich Albion.
Without a win away on their travels since November 2022, Leam Richardson’s side seeking a positive finish to a forgettable campaign would also name the same eleven as the Millers would look for a first victory in south Wales since 2006.
It would be the home side who would start the stronger playing with intent on the front-foot. Cullen forcing visiting keeper Viktor Johansen into an early save from 12-yards. The Welshman, on the turn firing straight at the Swede after Jamie Paterson had pick-pocketed Rotherham defender Hakeem Odoffin to play the forward in from a tight angle.
That would be as good as it got in the first-half as the Swans would have plenty of the ball but would struggle to break down a stubborn Millers backline rigid in its defensive set-up. Both sides wasteful in possession lacking a cutting edge to their play.
Ronald lashing a frustrated effort from 25-yards over the crossbar and Paterson deep into the half driving an effort from range straight at Johansson the closest either side would come to making a breakthrough.
The second-half would be much of a muchness as the Swans would continue to probe but would lack intent and purpose in their execution. Both centre halves Darling and Cabango wasteful with headers from corners with Johansson comfortable in the Millers goal.
Looking for a spark, Williams sent on top scorer Jamal Lowe, exciting youngster Aimar Govea and Liam Walsh to add more fire power into his attack.
It would be the latter who would play a part in the only goal for the Swans. An in-swinging corner from the right headed into his own net by on-loan Millers midfielder Rinomhota at the near post.
That would be enough for the home side to gain the three points that would mathematically secure Championship safety and increase the agony on Rotherham who will be looking to see the back of the campaign.
Swansea City X1
Carl Rushworth, Josh Tymon, Josh Key, Harry Darling, Ben Cabango, Jay Fulton (Liam Walsh 72), Matt Grimes (captain), Jamie Paterson, Ronald (Aimar Govea 72), Ollie Cooper (Jamal Lowe 64), Liam Cullen.
Rotherham United X1
Viktor Johansson, Sebastian Revan, Hakeem Odoffin, Lee Peltier, Cameron Humphreys (Shane Ferguson 85), Cohen Bramall, Olivier Rathbone (captain), Andy Rinomhota, Sam Clucas (Arvin Appiah 61), Cafu (Charlie Wyke 85), Sam Nombe (Tom Eaves 72).
[Lead image: Swansea City FC]
