It’s relief for Martin as the Swans overcome a nervy finish to get back on track
RUSSELL Martin admits he felt relief after Swansea City saw out a nervy ending to clinch a 2-1 win over Blackpool. Sonny Carey cancelled out Matty Sorinola’s opener at the Swansea.com Stadium, although Callum Connolly’s own goal ensured the Swans clinched all three points against the Seasiders.
The final stages on Wednesday night were somewhat tense for Swansea though, despite the fact Mick McCarthy’s men had Charlie Patino sent off, as Carey twice went close to netting an equaliser.
And while frustrated that his troops eased off in the second-half, Martin admits he understands the nervousness felt by the Jack Army given the late goals his side have shipped this season.
“Tonight, it is probably a bit of relief,” he said.
“I’m really proud of the players, we have the youngest team in the Championship again tonight. We should have been out of sight again by half-time, we were so dominant and we created loads.
“I’m really frustrated with our players, we took our foot off the gas and the crowd sensed it. We don’t have the instinct to really kill it.
“Just before half-time they had two openings on the counter attack and Fish (Andy Fisher) made pretty comfortable saves, but they were shots on target which are avoidable.
“That created a bit of anxiety in the crowd and in our players and it gave them (Blackpool) hope and energy.
“The second-half, we didn’t start very well, they get a man sent off, we should kill the game off and we create a few good openings and then concede a goal out of nowhere.
“That caused big anxiety with the crowd and the players.
“It’s a brilliant cross, but we rely on an own goal to win which we just shouldn’t need to.
“After that, two more moments, when they hit the post, make everyone feel more anxious, so it probably became more difficult than it should have been, but I understand it.”
Victory over the Lancashire outfit lifted Swansea back into the top half of the Championship table and to within five points of the play-off places.
And while there are undoubtedly aspects that Swansea need to improve on, Martin hopes the triumph can kickstart an improved run as his side bid to keep the pressure on those in the mix for the top six.
“I know you guys want to keep talking about two wins in 16, you want to include the cup games, you want to play to that narrative, it’s cool,” he added.
“Some of the performances in that run were really outstanding. We score the third most goals in the league, maybe fourth, with two recognised strikers and no wingers.
“I think the players deserve huge credit for that.
“We concede too many goals. You have seen tonight, we are the youngest team in the Championship.
“We are embarking on a journey where we have to do that.
“The January window highlighted that. I don’t want to talk about the window, but there’s been a massive hangover from that, from staff here, from supporters.
“We can’t do anything about it. we are as frustrated about it as anyone else.
“But we made a decision to get on with it and focus all our energy on the players, to help develop them.
“We won tonight. I am really pleased about that.
“The players in the dressing room were frustrated because they know they can be better.
“But to manage that anxiety, to play the way we play, it’s not easy.
“We have a choice, everyone, and it’s not a criticism because the last two games, the frustration I have felt, the anger I have felt, I have given to the players on a matchday and I’ve not been good enough.
“It’s a big win for us and hopefully it can helps us restart something. We are five points off the play-offs with the youngest team in the league.
“As a club, players, supporters, staff, everyone, we just have to pull together and get behind the group of young players. “That is the only choice we have.” Swansea return to action against Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park tomorrow afternoon.