DOUBLE FOR OLI
McBurnie sinks the Royals to keep Swans in play-off picture
OLI McBurnie ended his goal drought as Swansea City claimed back-to-back wins for the first time since the opening week of the season. The Scotland international had not scored in eight games but he gave the hosts the lead from the penalty spot when Daniel James was fouled by one-time Swans target Andy Yiadom.
Graham Potter’s side were tested by Reading after the break as Paul Clement’s side pressed for an equaliser, but McBurnie tapped in a James cross in the dying minutes to ensure his return to SA1 ended in defeat.
The result sees Swansea keep pace with the congested play-off hunt, and there was more encouragement to take, particularly from a first half where Potter’s side were dominant.
James had curled an effort wide from a swift early counter and Swansea would spend the majority of the opening 45 minutes on the front foot.
Winger James would fire over the angle of bar and post after smart work from McBurnie and Jay Fulton in the build-up, while Mike van der Hoorn headed wide from a corner.
Kyle Naughton was crowded out, this time with McBurnie and Connor Roberts the architects of more incisive attacking work.
But the breakthrough proved elusive until James simply motored past Yiadom into the area, and the fullback hauled the winger down as he bore down on goal.
The referee pointed to the spot and McBurnie fired down the middle to open the scoring and send Swansea in a goal to the good.
However, Swansea found the second half a less comfortable experience as Reading began to pose a threat of their own.
Yakou Meite was denied by Kristoffer Nordfeldt, while Van der Hoorn recovered superbly to keep Sam Baldock out.
Meite wasted another chance with a glancing header, while Bersant Celina and Matt Grimes forced saves from Anssi Jaakkola at the other end.
But the game was finally put to bed when James escaped down the left flank and his pinpoint cross left McBurnie with the easy finish.