By Jonny Graham
Swansea City made it three games unbeaten under caretaker manager Alan Sheehan as they defeated Micheal Carrick’s Middlesbrough 1-0 at the Swansea.com stadium.
A goal by South Korean forward Ji-Sung Eom midway through the first-half was enough to secure the three points and move the Swans 12 points clear of the Championship relegation zone.
The home side started much the stronger, dominating the ball and posing more threat than their opponents.
Swansea cause problems with their high-pressure on the Middlesbrough defence, with Eom and Zan Vipotnik testing Mark Travers in goal.
The Swans got the goal they deserved in the 26th minute.
Defender Harry Darling won a header on the halfway line which fell to Eom. The 22-year-old strode towards the opposition’s box before unleashing a curling right-footed strike into the bottom right corner.
While Boro had 60% possession throughout the first-half , they only managed two shots compared to Swansea’s nine.
Middlesbrough came more into the game in the second-half, with Tommy Conway having a few attempts with seriously troubling Vigouroux in goal for Swansea.
In the 60th minute, it was Eom put an incredible free-kick into a dangerous area but none of the Swansea players were able to reach it and divert an effort on target.
Ten minutes the away side had their best chance of the game.
Delano Burgzorg was played in behind the Swans defence and teed up Conway on the left-hand side of the box, but his shot was saved by the feet of Vigouroux.
Chances came more freely for Middlesbrough in the closing stages, but they weren’t able to convert any of them – even after bringing on experienced Kelechi Iheanacho.
These three points push Swansea up to 15th in the table, which almost certainly confirms Championship football for them next season after a hint of relegation in the middle of the season.
Middlesbrough remain in ninth place, with Micheal Carrick’s job potentially now in jeopardy.