Swansea City claimed a much-needed 2-0 victory over Oxford United to end their five-game losing streak, their worst run since the final five games of their ill-fated 2017-18 Premier League campaign.
They also kept a first clean sheet in 10 matches in all competitions as they moved three points clear of 22nd placed Portsmouth - who Vitor Matos' men host at the Swansea.com Stadium on Tuesday night.
It was far from perfect against an admittedly poor Oxford side, but it was certainly a step in the right direction.
Josh Tymon produced two moments of mesmerising quality, the first a sublime cross for Marko Stamenic to net his first goal for the Swans, and the second being a sumptuous volley to bag his first goal since February.
While still in a precarious position following a run of just one win in 11 matches in all competitions prior to defeating the U's, basic elements of the game that Swansea have been sorely lacking of late were on show in the 2-0 triumph.
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Tymon's quality was pivotal, but energy, graft and a strong work ethic were arguably even more important as Swansea made sure they did not embark on their worst losing league run since 2004 by losing to Oxford.
Matos was visibly encouraged by the showing from his players, as emphasised when he celebrated the much-improved Eom Ji-sung's tracking back and subsequent challenge to thwart Sam Long's run forward.
As Matos knows, the importance of halting the club's wretched run cannot be overstated for both the club and their unproven – at least as a head man - Portuguese coach.
“I think it was important for us to have this feeling and to break the cycle,” he said.
“We understand that if we can continue to do the right steps then we can have this feeling more, but we need to build again.
“We have a lot of games ahead and a lot of room for improvement, but it is a really important win.
“The togetherness we had was what we have been speaking about, using the stadium as a place where we feel we have 12 players on the pitch.
“We need to keep that going and keep taking the steps in that direction.”
Following their clash with Pompey in midweek, Swansea will face Stoke City, Wrexham and Coventry City - three sides all currently in the top half of the Championship.
As a result, the league standings may well continue to appear somewhat unnerving heading into the New Year, with Swansea facing strugglers Oxford again in their final fixture of 2025 at the Kassam Stadium on December 29.
But following the doom and gloom of what has been a truly miserable campaign thus far, the Swansea faithful can be forgiven for revelling in what was their first success under new boss Matos, and just their third on home soil in the league all season.
Tymon was understandably unsure how to react after his thumping hit flew beyond Oxford goalkeeper Jamie Cumming and into the top corner of the net on the stroke of half-time.
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But the left-back was steadfast in his belief that the Swans can, in time, kick on under their Portuguese head coach.
"It's a massive win, with the expectations that we set out for this season, and how we started this season, we've found ourselves in a difficult place," he said.
"Today, everyone collectively - not just us as players, but the fans as well - got behind us, and we really needed that.
"Everyone is on board with his vision, the gaffer has a clear idea of what he wants to do. There's no shortcuts with him, all the lads are buying into his vision.
"Once he gets a few more weeks, we'll definitely see a better team. It's good for us to get his first win and hopefully we can kick on from now."
Rome certainly wasn't built in a day, but at least the Swans have put the first building block in place.
