WILLIAMS’ SWANS SET TOP-HALF OBJECTIVE
LUKE Williams challenged his Swansea City players to secure a top-half finish following their victory over Rotherham.
The Swans controlled proceedings against the already-relegated Millers, but needed an Andy Rinomhota own-goal in the 74th minute to earn victory.
And Williams – whose side sit five points adrift of the top 12 in the Championship with three matches left to play – wants Swansea to fight to secure a top half berth.
“The players have got to show that they’ll continue to run hard and fight for everything and not try and take it easy,” he said.
“I need to see the character that they have. Whatever the circumstances, whatever the position, they’ll apply themselves, that’s a group I want.
“It’s when things get more complicated, then you need to know you’ve got the right characters. I want to see that from everybody in the last three games.
“That’s [top-half aim] a good challenge. Let’s go and make really good performances and see how many points we can pick up.”
On the long-term picture for Swansea, Williams added: “We’re nearly a good team. We have a big summer, then we can do something exciting.
“I need to continue to find solutions for the team to help them be more creative.
“Of course, we have to try to get the right personnel that are going to thrive. If we do all of that, we’re going to be alright.”
The first chance fell to the hosts as Jamie Paterson pounced on Sebastian Revan’s heavy touch before threading through to Liam Cullen, whose low driven effort was kept out by Viktor Johansson.
It set the tone for what was to come, as Leam Richardson’s side struggled to get hold of possession.
Rotherham’s only effort of note saw former Swan Sam Clucas – who was regularly jeered by the home crowd – scuff a volley wide on 19 minutes.
While their control was evident, Jay Fulton’s unorthodox header from a short free-kick routine typified Swansea’s lack of cutting edge in the final third.
Brazilian winger Ronald then stung the palms of Johansson with a thumping strike from the edge of the box as the contest remained level at the break.
There was precious little for either side to shout about after the restart as the pattern remained the same.
Shortly after Harry Darling’s strike was blocked, Ronald’s half-volley was comfortably gathered by Johansson.
Rinomhota blazed well over from distance following a rare foray forwards from the visitors who sent on Tom Eaves, while Liam Walsh and Aimar Govea entered the fray for Swansea.
But the decisive moment came in the 74th minute as Walsh’s corner was headed into his own net by Rinomhota.
Rotherham’s best chance came with the final play of the game as Arvin Appiah crossed to Eaves, whose header flashed wide at the death.
It ensured Swansea claimed back-to-back wins for the second time under Williams, with Rotherham losing for the third game running after failing to register a shot on target at the Swansea.com Stadium.