'Connection' key to Swans' superb home run - Matos
Swansea have won nine of their past 15 Championship games [Huw Evans Picture Agency]Vitor Matos says Swansea City's "connection" with their supporters has been a key factor behind their spectacular run of home form.
Matos' men claimed a seventh win in their past eight league games at the Swansea.com Stadium, as Zan Vipotnik's first-half volley proved enough for victory over Bristol City.
The Swans have not lost at home since a 2-1 defeat to Derby County in November.
At that point Swansea had only two wins from nine home league matches this season, but they have since taken 22 points from a possible 24.
Swansea were made to work for their narrow success against the Robins – and Matos felt the home crowd had a hand in securing the win.
"I think the fans today were unbelievable," the Swansea head coach said.
"That connection is massive. The last 15 minutes, [the fans] played the game with us, they tackled the Bristol players with us, they created the counters with us.
"When you have that feeling, the players can feel it. They feel they can compete against anyone and when you create that feeling in the stadium, it is outstanding."
Vipotnik's 18th club goal of the season came via Swansea's one clear-cut chance against Bristol City, though Liam Cullen and Malick Yalcouye forced saves from goalkeeper Radek Vitek late on.
[Huw Evans Picture Agency]Bristol City hit the woodwork twice, while Lawrence Vigouroux was also required to make a couple of sharp saves as he claimed a 10th league clean sheet this season and a seventh since Matos took charge.
"I think the desire, the hunger, the mentality, the idea of holding nothing back, that mindset was massive today," Matos added.
"We were able to compete, we were able to get the three points. I think that's quite important to have because these games are games who can decide positions as well in the table."
Swansea moved to within three points of the top six courtesy of the Bristol City win, though that was before the day's later games.
Matos insisted his only focus is Tuesday's home fixture against Preston as he once again brushed off talk of a play-off push.
"We play again at home, which is brilliant and that doesn't happen a lot for us," he said.
"We can recover, rest, focus on Preston because that will be a massive game for us as well."
