LATE AYEW STRIKE IS A PERFECT PRESENT FOR SWANS

ANDRE Ayew’s 10th goal of the campaign proved enough for Swansea City who made it back-to-back Championship victories by beating Luton Town 1-0 at Kenilworth Road.

A relatively even contest exploded into life in the second half, with Harry Cornick and Andrew Shinnie having chances for The Hatters, while Ayew, Bersant Celina, Tom Carroll and Borja Baston all wasted opportunities for Steve Cooper’s side.

But Ayew was on hand to notch his eighth league goal of the season eight minutes from time to earn his side all three points in what was a thrilling league encounter in Bedfordshire.

The win saw Swansea stretch their unbeaten run to three games, with Cooper’s men going into Christmas having collected seven points from the last nine on offer.

Cooper made three changes from the side that started in the 3-1 win over Middlesbrough last time out.

Sam Surridge, Yan Dhanda and Ben Cabango all dropped out of the matchday squad, with Borja, Carroll and Ben Wilmot being drafted in.

Carroll was making his 100th appearance for the club, and there was a spot on the bench for academy product Brandon Cooper.

Ex-Swansea assistant manager Graeme Jones spoke highly of his previous employers in his programme notes, wishing all connected to the club an enjoyable afternoon.

But it was the hosts who enjoyed the better of the opening stages as they moved the ball around swiftly in the pouring rain, while they weren’t afraid to be more direct when required.

And Swansea had George Byers to thank in the 12th minute as his perfectly-timed sliding challenge ensured Harry Cornick’s shot didn’t test Freddie Woodman, although the home fans were left aggrieved after the ball appeared to strike the midfielder’s arm inside the box.

But Swansea carried a threat themselves, with Connor Roberts firing a tame effort at goal before Celina’s cross was cleared in the nick of time as Ayew looked set to pounce.

Ayew went close to adding to his goal tally midway through the opening half after cutting inside from the right flank before firing at goal, although his shot rippled the side netting.

However, the approach from both sides in such grim conditions was aesthetically pleasing to say the least.

And Swansea continued to grow in confidence, with Celina and Carroll causing problems before Wilmot’s glancing header went well wide from a Matt Grimes corner.

Luton remained dangerous and saw Andrew Shinnie drill a low effort wide of the mark late on in the opening half.

Swansea came agonisingly close to taking the lead on the stroke of half time, though. but Borja’s overhead kick trickled inches wide of the post.

And they had a golden opportunity to make it 1-0 five minutes into the second half after an outrageous flick from Ayew after a driving run by Celina sent Borja through on goal, although the Spaniard’s shot was blocked by Matty Pearson.

But after Cornick lashed over from inside the box, Swansea upped the ante, with Carroll having a shot deflected over before Sluga made a stunning save to keep out Ayew’s header.

Byers had two efforts from outside the box in quick succession, with Luton responding by making a double substitution.

Swansea remained firmly on the front foot, thuogh, with Celina’s curling effort being well blocked.

However, they were almost caught on the break as George Moncur rounded Woodman before squaring to Cornick whose goal-bound shot was brilliantly cleared by Mike van der Hoorn.

That lifted the home faithful who then saw Shinnie head over at the back post.

Cooper responded by sending on Wayne Routledge and Jay Fulton for Borja and Carroll.

And the fans in the sold-out away end were calling for a penalty 12 minutes from time as Byers went down in the box, but he was booked by referee David Webb for diving.

But Swansea finally had the breakthrough in the 82nd minute as Fulton’s deflected cross fell to Ayew who had the simple task of chesting the ball into the net in-front of the 1,032 members of the Jack Army in the packed away end.

Jones’ side pressed for a late equaliser, but Swansea held on to continue their fine away record this season as the Swansea faithful went back to South Wales in jubilant mood.