First victory for Russell Martin as Swans win 0-1 away to Bristol City

A superb strike from Swansea City's Joel Piroe saw the Swans secure their first Championship win under head coach Russell Martin last night.

The 0-1 away win to Bristol City was only the second at Ashton Gate in 28 years, with the Dutch striker scoring his third goal in four appearances since his move from PSV Eindhoven in the summer.

The 2,300 travelling fans were treated to an entertaining game, even with six players from the first-team out due to injury or illness.

Bristol City have now set a club record with 12 league games without a home win.

They started the game well with Steven Benda having to deny an Andreas Weinmann shot in the first three minutes.

However a little while later the Swans began to settle, with Brandon Cooper passing nicely on the attack to Cullen who failed to utilise.

It was in the 19th minute that Swansea took the advantage with Piroe driving forward a low strike that ricocheted off the post. But to his fortune, the ball came back allowing for a convincing finish in the back of the net.

It was his third of the season.

Alex Scott for Bristol City did attempt a quick comeback but his shot was ward off by Benda.

Swansea could have scored a second, six minutes before half time but another Piroe shot was deflected with him also being denied after a header had fallen at his feet.

After the break, the Swans pressed ahead for that second goal with Ryan Manning, Jake Bidwell and Piroe all involved in the early action.

Bristol did inflict some pressure onto Swansea in the final half-hour and to the relief of the away fans a Weimann ball in the net was judged as offside.

In the end it was not enough and the Swans secured their first league victory of the season, to the delight of Russell Martin who gave much praise to the goalscorer.

“I thought Joel was outstanding. I thought he took his goal brilliantly and he looked a real threat all night.

“He was a real threat and he worked so hard out of possession, he was absolutely finished at the end when we took him off.

“He put in a brilliant shift, he earned his opportunity to start tonight and he has taken it with both hands.