Match Report: Swansea City 1 Boro 3

Michael Carrick's side continued their Championship charge after picking up a first win in 14 years at Swansea City.

Boro had to come from behind to take the points, but second half goals from Aaron Ramsey, Cameron Archer, and of course, Chuba Akpom, proved enough for Carrick's men to clock up another vital win.

After a week of freezing temperatures and snow, Boro were greeted by swirling rain at a sparse Swansea.com stadium. The atmosphere was boosted by the presence in excess of 1200 travelling Teessiders, who had braved the elements to make the trip to South Wales.

In the only change from the side which beat Reading 5-0 the previous weekend, Paddy McNair returned sporting a facemask as protection in place of Dael Fry, who was missing due to illness.

Boro almost fashioned in the first opportunity inside a matter of minutes after Chuba Akpom did well in being the architect. Moments later, Archer curled a shot wide after more good play, but Swansea were also gifted a chance when Ollie Cooper seized on a wayward pass before shooting wide.

When Boro threatened again, the home side made a couple of good defensive blocks while goalkeeper Andy Fisher came out of his box to deny Archer the chance. It also took some great defending to deny Riley McGree as Boro looked to cut through Swansea at will.

Amazingly, though, Swansea stole lead. A shot was blocked, but the ball fell to the feet who of Joel Piroe who was able to convert the chance from close range. It was untidy effort against the run of play, but gave the hosts the advantage.

It also gave Swansea a confidence that they had clearly been lacking during the opening exchanges.

That said, Fisher had to smother a Giles cross and Akpom was denied a headed chance after a terrific passing move from one end to the other by Boro. Ramsey also had a shot blocked after more good pressure.

Swansea were getting their bodies in the way every time Boro threatened and worked tirelessly to thwart Carrick’s men. Ramsey was a real threat throughout and when he instigated the chance for McGree to shoot, the Aussie fired into the arms of Fisher.

The hosts had the ball in the net early in the second half, but an offside flag prevailed and the close range effort was ruled out.

And Boro responded in the best possible fashion. A quick break caught Swansea short in numbers at the back, Ramsey beat the offside trap, and the youngster scored with a cracking finish at the second attempt.

It was 2-1 moments later. Hackney lofted a ball into the box and Archer timed his movement to perfection to plant a header beyond Fisher in the Swansea goal.

It was almost three when Boro next came forward, Tommy Smith picking out Akpom, who held off the challenge of a Swansea defender before shooting into the side netting.

The home side did look to rally and Zack Steffen was called upon to save from Jamie Paterson.

The game was effectively sealed with just under 10 minutes remaining. McGree was crudely chopped down in the box and Akpom stepped up to convert with aplomb.

Ramsey did have another opportunity late on, but the outstanding youngster fired into the arms of Fisher.

Four minutes of stoppage time also brought about another nice milestone when Sonny Finch was introduced from the bench for his league debut.