Ingram the hero as Swans foiled again

BOSS Russell Martin believes Swansea are close to rediscovering their goalscoring touch after a frustrating stalemate with Hull.

The Welsh side dominated but failed to break down the Tigers’ stubborn defence as they slipped into the relegation zone.

But Martin reckons his men will find their scoring boots to climb the table after failing to add to their single goal at home this season.

“I am frustrated for the players because I thought they were outstanding,” he said. “Their keeper has made some fantastic saves.

“But that next bit is going to come. I am positive because that was a big step in the right direction.”

Hull goalkeeper Matt Ingram was the hero for his side.

He got down quickly to deny Joel Piroe early on after Swans’ signing Olivier Ntcham carved out the chance.

The pressure began to tell in the 24th minute when Di’Shon Bernard hacked down the former Celtic midfielder 25 yards from goal.

Captain Matt Grimes let a curling effort fly from the free-kick, forcing Ingram into a sprawling save.

The Tigers keeper made another athletic save 10 minutes later to deny Kyle Naughton’s powerful shot.

Swansea had a penalty shout turned down in the 54th minute after Ethan Laird nipped in to beat Callum Elder to the ball and went down under a challenge from the Hull defender.

Referee Keith Stroud waved away the appeals and denied them another spot-kick moments later when Bernard blocked the path of Jamie Paterson.

“We limited them to very little,” said Hull boss Grant McCann.

“People want to hit us when we’re down.”

SWANSEA: Hamer 6; Williams 6, Bennett 6, Naughton 7 (Cabango 86th); Laird 7, Grimes 7, Downes 7, Bidwell

6 (Obafemi 76th), Ntcham 8 (Manning

(70th) 6), Paterson 6; Piroe 7

HULL: Ingram 9, Coyle 7, Bernard 5, Greaves 6, Elder 6; Moncur 5 (Longman

81st), Huddlestone 5; Lewis-Potter 6, Docherty 5, Wilks 5 (M Smith (64th) 6); Magennis 5 (T Smith (71st) 5)

STAR MAN: Matt Ingram

REF: K Stroud