Rovers midfielder Todd Cantwell had headed Valerien Ismael’s team in front with a rare Blackburn chance in the first half. Ryan Alebiosu’s deflected cross looping on to the head of the former Norwich playmaker, with his effort bouncing through the unfortunate Ben Cabango’s legs and into the net.
Swansea came close to levelling with Cameron Burgess heading narrowly wide but would not be denied with the equaliser came just before the break. A patient passing move ending with Josh Tymon picking out Franco at the far post.
The Portuguese midfielder finished exquisite fashion, showing excellent technique to crash a volley into the far corner.
Cantwell was denied a second goal by Swans number one Lawrence Vigouroux as Blackburn upped the tempo early in the second period, before Sheehan changed his entire forward line and was rewarded when two of his four attacking substitutes combined to put Swansea in front.
After defender Augustus Kargbo’s loose touch, forward Adam Idah would drive down the right before rolling the ball across the edge of the area for Wales international Liam Cullen to guide in his first goal of the season.
Blackburn asked questions of Swansea late on, with Yuki Ohashi’s header forcing a diving save from Vigouroux before Cantwell’s appeals for a late penalty – after Burgess’ sliding challenge – were turned down much to the fury of the Blackburn bench.
Swansea would hold on for a first away win of the season much to the delight on boss Sheehan, whilst for Rovers, their dismal home record continued with their latest defeat their fourth loss on the bounce in Lancashire.
“With the Hull game, then Birmingham the disallowed goal and then the penalty the other day – I felt like we should have had more points,” said Sheehan post-match.
“But consistency is key, showing up. Tonight was all about mentality. I think we have played a lot better in other games and not got wins so I am very happy to come away with three points and proud of the resilience the lads showed.
“I think in moments in the first half we controlled it without creating enough. Then a wonderful ball by Tymo [Josh Tymon] and a wonderful technical finish from Goncalo [Franco] after going behind.
“Second half we made a couple of changes and then Adam [Idah] shows that moment of composure and quality to pick out Culls [Liam Cullen]. We have got into those areas so many times this season and not come away with as many outcomes as we should have, but it was an excellent finish.”
“We sunk in a bit after that, but we defended our box really, really well and gave them very little.
“We managed the game, and sometimes you have to come to places and find a way to get results.
“Obviously we want to play well but tonight was about mentality and resilience and we are very happy to come away with the three points.”
[Lead image: Swansea City FC]
