By Gareth James

Steve Cooper paid tribute to the consistency shown by Swansea City as they tightened their grip on second place in the Championship with a hugely impressive 2-0 victory at Barnsley.

Ben Cabango and Jamal Lowe struck in either half at Oakwell as Cooper’s side made it six games unbeaten in all competitions.

The Swans are four points behind leaders Norwich City – who won 2-1 at Cardiff City earlier- and four points clear of the side’s chasing an automatic promotion spot.

“A 2-0 win away from home is a brilliant result in this league even though at times it probably wasn’t pretty, but that’s what it took,” said Cooper.

“I don’t know what it looked like on television, but the conditions weren’t easy, we had to show a different side to us and I thought we did that.

“Consistency is what every team is aiming for and we are no different, you see mad results week in, week out.

“If we are showing signs of consistency I think that is really important and will stand us in good stead.”

Swansea City and Cardiff City continue to enforce the rules of @fmwales by ensuring there is as much social distancing between the two sides as much as possible. I am sure Watters has made the move for potential and not money #swans #cardiff #oneteaminwales

— JackArmy.net (@swansnews) January 16, 2021

Cabango netted the opener with a glancing header in first-half injury time to make it three goals for the season.

Lowe made it nine for the campaign – seven coming in his last seven games – as the in-form striker punished a mix-up in the Barnsley defence to slot home on 55 minutes.

Cooper’s men also made it a 14th league clean sheet – and 15th in all competitions – with this latest shut-out.

But it took a wonder save from Freddie Woodman to keep his goal intact from a thunder strike by Callum Brittain.

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Cooper added: “The pitch was difficult, it was windy, conditions were tough and Barnsley looked to put us on the back foot and were quite direct.

“You have to be able to deal with those things, otherwise you can get caught in your own half and jumped on.

“We showed a different side to us today, and credit to the lads because they did it really well.

“It probably wasn’t a pretty affair, but it was a fairly comfortable win.”

Cabango held off his marker to meet a long throw from Connor Roberts – who had strong claims to be Man of the Match – for the opener.

Lowe took advantage as Mads Andersen and Michal Helik got themselves in a tangle, though there were question marks over whether he was onside.

The Swans saw a penalty appeal after Andre Ayew looked to have been fouled turned down but they ran out convincing winners.

Cooper’s men are now 17 points ahead of rivals Cardiff City and looking the only Welsh side capable of mounting a promotion challenge as they look to regain their spot in the Premier League.