Jonjo Shelvey and Chico Flores were both on target for the Swans as they beat Fulham 2-0 at the Liberty to lift themselves up to 10th in the Premier League table as they started this vital part of the season with a huge win.

In front of marginally over 20,000 at the Liberty Stadium the two second half goals eased the tension around the ground and put the Swans six points clear of the relegation zone and gave them their first win in nine Premier League attempts.

Shelvey had rattled the crossbar in the first half before firing the Swans ahead on 61 minutes with a 25 yard shot that took a wicked deflection to give Stekelenburg with no chance in the Fulham goal to give the Swans the lead.

Chico's flicked header with 15 minutes left of the game doubled the Swans advantage although again there was a deflection as the ball found the back of the net but maybe it was the stroke of luck that the Swans needed after a dismal run of form that had seen them take just one point from the previous eighteen available.

It was a nervy first half from both sides who wasted what little opportunities came their way with both Dejagah and Dempsey wasting chances for Fulham in the first half in front of a nervy crowd at the Liberty.

The inform Bony and Shelvey had had early chances for the Swans which would have done much to ease those nerves but - as has been the story so often this season - the fans were made to wait until the second half to see the goals that they so desperately wanted and it led to a much better second half from the Swans where they were clearly on top for the large majority of the second half.

Having started the night just three points ahead of the game, the win for the Swans leaves Fulham as one of four sides who could be in danger of being cast adrift if results continue to go against them and depending on results tomorrow night they could find themselves in the bottom three before the weekend comes around.

For Michael Laudrup's side though it was the confidence boost they needed and they head to West Ham at the weekend knowing that another similar result will see them pull further away.

Much needed and much enjoyed.

Photo: Action Images

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