MARTIN SO HAPPY AS FISHER KEEPS COVENTRY AT BAY
RUSSELL Martin could not hide his delight with goalkeeper Andy Fisher who produced a man-of-thematch display in Swansea City’s 0-0 draw with Coventry City on Good Friday.
The goalkeeper has made costly errors against the likes of Luton Town, Millwall and Cardiff City of late, with some fans calling for recent signing Andreas Sondergaard to replace the 25-year-old in the absence of the injured Steven Benda.
However, Fisher made two vital stops from one-on-one positions against the Sky Blues in what was an inspired display as Swansea kept their second clean sheet in as many matches on home soil.
“He did brilliantly,” Martin said of Fisher. “To come through what he’s come through, he’s been so frustrated and disappointed with certain things, but he has a brilliant relationship with us, Dean (Thornton) and the rest of the players.
“Everyone helps each other get through here, I think that’s the most important bit, whether you’re having a brilliant time or a tough one, we stick together.
“We’re consistent in the way we behave with the players and we also appreciate how tough it is to play in this team, especially as a goalkeeper.
“Steven Benda had a tough time last season but the way he’s come back is incredible. He’s been a big loss for us, so for Fish to come in and fill his shoes at that point was difficult. He was such a big presence for us and he’s had such growth off the pitch as a person.
“I think this period will help Fish do the same. He showed big courage today and I’m really pleased for him.”
The draw with Mark Robins’ side means Martin’s men are unbeaten in their last three outings while they have collected seven of the last nine points on offer.
And while both Swansea and Coventry had opportunities to earn all three points in the bank holiday encounter, Martin admits he was pleased with the dressing room reaction of his players who he says showed real frustration at failing to clinch a third successive win.
“I thought it was a really good game, I thought it was two good teams,” added Martin.
“They have two really good chances in the game. One we gifted to them with (Gustavo) Hamer in the first half and then in the second half (Matty) Godden, Fish makes two brilliant saves. I’m really pleased for Fish, the courage he showed and the clean sheet for him and the team. Two clean sheets in three now.
“We created some really excellent chances. Joel Piroe toes it wide. The double chance we have at the start of the second half, we should score.
“The lads are really frustrated we haven’t won the game which I’m pleased about. It’s a big turnaround in the last three games, it’s seven points, two clean sheets and three really good performances that look like us.”
Swansea will be looking to stretch their unbeaten run to four when they return to action against Wigan Athletic at the DW Stadium tomorrow afternoon (3pm).