With emotions running high after a tough week at the club, the Irishman’s passion was clear to see, celebrating with the 500 Swans fans that had travelled to Yorkshire to witness a performance of fight and togetherness against a physical Rotherham outfit.
After withstanding early Millers pressure, the Swans afternoon would get a whole lot easier with home centre half Daniel Ayala seeing red for a second bookable offense. Having clumsily fouled Charlie Patino twice in quick succession referee Josh Smith would have no choice but to dismiss the former Liverpool defender.
The Swans would be the better of the two sides on the day and would take the lead through midfielder Patino. Josh Key picking out the on-loan Arsenal man to slightly fortuitously slot home his second goal in as many games.
Despite Sheehan’s side having further opportunities to extend their advantage, it would be Rotherham who would equalise after a long throw into the Swans penalty area would be flicked on by Hakeem Odoffin, before forward Sam Nombe would slot home past the despairing dive of Carl Rushworth.
The visitors would rally and would get their just deserves though minutes later all be it with a helping hand from Rotherham defender Odoffin who would get caught in possession by substitute Jerry Yates.
Josh Key’s cross from the right finding the Irishman to calmly slot low into the bottom corner of the Rotherham net and earn all three points for a delighted Sheehan and his Swansea side who move up to 16th in the Championship table.
“I’m very proud, this is a very tough place to come, they are a massive physical side,” said Sheehan.
“You feel the energy in the stadium every time they get a long throw and with set-plays.
“I think the overall feeling is proudness of everyone at the club that has come together in a difficult week. They have really stood up and supported me, it shows what a special place it is here.
“We predicted that they were going to come after us. They have had some good results against some good teams in the last few weeks.
“We knew they would go direct, so it was important we landed on second balls in the fight against a physical team.
“We then gained control, obviously they had gone down to ten men but that’s the way it is.
“I thought it could have been more than 2-1. If we had scored chances, it could have been three or four.
“We then had to ride a wave at the end because they brought on a giant and we had to play football to get our way out of a situation.
“The lads stood up to the physical part well and we also played good football.
“It is hard to break down a block and I thought we were patient and showed good bravery. We can improve in certain areas, it wasn’t perfect, but it was progress in my opinion and I’m proud.
“I said to the lads, I ask you to have the ball. If you give it away that is on me, go and be free and enjoy your football.
“The players deserve all the praise. I’m happy for Jerry [Yates], he come on and that’s what he does. It’s the middle of the goal, he’s there and he scores goals in the Championship.
“We could have had a few more, but this one is for the players and the football club.
“Everyone has galvanised each other and you see the character and togetherness as we played our way trying to hurt them. That win is for the fans.”
[Credit: Swansea City FC]
