By Gareth James
Joe Allen admits Swansea City will have to stay hot if they are to avoid plunging into the icy depths of the Championship.
The former Wales midfielder sent his team on their way to back-to-back victories with the opening goal against back-pedaling Blackburn at the weekend in a 2-1 win.
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But with the clubs near the bottom all starting to pick up points, the Swans are still only four points above the drop zone – the same gap as before their victories over Sunderland and Rovers.
“It was a very important win after a great win away at Sunderland but the aim now has to be to get more wins at home and keep the fans happy,” said Allen.
“We’re desperate to get better results and perform better at home.
“It hasn’t happened as much as we would have liked this season, and I think we owe our home supporters more points and performances and hopefully that’s the first win of many.”
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Allen’s goal was only his second of a season disrupted by injuries.
The former Liverpool and Stoke City star has only managed three Championship starts, with 11 more off the bench.
He admitted: “I’ve been waiting in the wings and itching to start games.
“I think we’ve got good competition in the squad, and you could see the strength of the bench in this game.
“It’s great to have, and it means that anyone starting games has to perform consistently and that’s what I’ll need to do to keep my place in the team.”
It's back-to-back wins for the Swans ⚽
Swansea City 2-1 Blackburn Rovers#BBCFootball pic.twitter.com/coEotXS1YD
— BBC Sport Wales (@BBCSportWales) March 2, 2024
After Allen’s opener, Jamie Paterson put the Swans 2-0 ahead before the Championship’s top scorer Sammie Szmodics pulled a goal back for Blackburn with his 25th of the season.
But Rovers were nor ruthless enough to take further chances and their defeat means they are only one point above the dreaded dotted line.
It’s tight at the bottom, though, with four other clubs between Blackburn and 22nd place and 11 clubs separated by just six points.
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Boss John Eustace is still looking for his first win after six games in charge but insists there is enough resolve in his squad to stay up.
“Our fight is there for everyone to see, we have character, we don’t give up and now we have 11 really big games coming up,” said Eustace.
The former Birmingham City boss also has Szmodics who is still banging in the goals even as Rovers slide.
“He was fantastic,” added Eustace.
“His workrate, his energy, his desire, is there for everyone to see.
“The way he works and the way he runs around for the team, he deserves to get his goals and he certainly leads by example.”
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