The Swans showed grit and desire at the back and rode their luck at times to claim a first point on the south coast since 2017.
Having withstood relentless pressure from the hosts, who will be wondering how they did not take all three points from the clash, Sheehan’s side were indebted to goalkeeper Lawrence Vigouroux and poor Saints finishing to keep the scores level.
Saints’ midfielder Caspar Jander the main guilty party wasting the clearest opportunity with his effort hitting the post from point-blank range 12 minutes from time, after Vigouroux had superbly saved Adam Armstrong’s shot low from the edge of the box.
Brazilian winger Leo Scienza also struck the woodwork, whilst forwards Cameron Archer and Armstrong’s shooting boots would desert them whilst well-placed.
The Swans, who would only have two shots on target would be poor in possession and would offer little offensively as they blanked at St Mary’s for the fourth straight visit.
For Sheehan, however, it would be a case of role reversal for a few of the draws his side have incurred this season and whilst admitting that his side were not at their best, taking a point from a tough contest is a good result.
“That is our first good point of the season. The draws we have had have felt like losses. We’ve played better with the ball and come away short of points,” said Sheehan after the match.
“Anyone who watched the game today would have seen we were up against a team who were at it, they had control and made it very difficult for us.
“We had to hang in there, and we did ride our luck at times, and try and weather the storm because that is what you have to do sometimes.
“They made it tough for us at times. We were a small bit off it in the last 20 minutes of the first half. Second half was a bit more even. We changed shape during the game which gave us more of a foothold.
“But in terms of resilience, defending the box – I think you have to do that in some games, and that’s the most we’ve had to do that this year.
“It wasn’t the game-plan to just come here and get a point. We wanted to win it, but our attacking play could have been better.
“The quality in certain areas needs to be better of course. But it’s a display that shows character against a team who have an enormous amount of quality.
“Ultimately, we played against a good team but our mentality to come here and keep a clean sheet was great.
“Our last two games have been against teams who were in the Premier League last year. We came here and were resilient when we weren’t at our best, it’s a wonderful thing to take out of the game for us.
“Ultimately today is a point gained.”
[Lead image: Swansea City FC]
