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Wales Online
Wales Online
Sport
Ian Mitchelmore

Russell Martin couldn't breathe in Cardiff City mayhem as Swansea City boss reveals 'infamous' fan in away end

Russell Martin admits he was left breathless after Ben Cabango's injury-time winner for Swansea City against Cardiff City.

The Swans took a two-goal lead at Cardiff City Stadium courtesy of strikes from Joel Piroe and Liam Cullen, although the Bluebirds looked to have secured a point through efforts from Jaden Philogene and Sory Kaba.

But Cabango struck in the 99th minute to earn the Swans all three points in the Welsh capital while also ensuring Martin's troops earned a second successive double against their fierce rivals.

READ MORE: Swansea City launch investigation over 'unacceptable' fan abuse and damage before Cardiff City match

And Martin - whose brother and eldest son were in the away end at Cardiff - says he had to rely on highlights of the action to fully comprehend the scale of the club's achievement against Sabri Lamouchi's outfit.

"It was amazing. From a boring point of view I'd rather win 2-0 and not concede a goal, but in terms of feeling, I've not had many better than that moment," explained the head coach.

"The release is incredible. You just black out, you can't remember one thing from it.

"I was still in the technical area watching all of the staff running back across the pitch and I was thinking 'what happened there?'.

"I think me and Gilly (Matt Gill) were giving it to some Cardiff fans that we'd been receiving abuse from all game. I was breathless, I couldn't breathe for a couple of seconds. It's not good for your heart-rate, that's for sure.

"A few people said they didn't think you could top the 4-0 there last season, but that at the end I'm not sure that'll be replicated very easily. Amazing that we could have that moment and that Owain Tudur Jones could get it on camera."

Indeed, Martin's son Reno, 11, was one of more than 2,000 supporters who celebrated wildly when Cabango struck at the death to clinch victory for the Swans.

And the Swans boss says his lad described the occasion as the "best day of his life".

"It was an amazing day. The way it happened as well was a brilliant way to finish the game. Amazing feeling. The players deserved it," added Martin.

“My son was in the crowd and said it was the best day of his life. To see him celebrating at the end, that meant so much.

“He’s 11. He was there with his friend Alfie’s dad Kev. We've made some brilliant friends since we've been down here.

“I wasn't sure if it was a suitable game for him to go to at one point, but what a brilliant moment that he could experience and we could share.

“My brother was there as well. He's becoming quite infamous with the Swans fans now because they realise he wears his heart on his sleeve. It was just a great occasion.

"It’s difficult to describe, that moment. That sheer elation and euphoria – not many things can do that to you in life.

“We spoke before the game about how in football you have a chance to get that special feeling, and that was pretty special.

“I'm just so happy that we could give so many people that moment, in particular the players and staff here who have been so brilliant with us since we arrived. The fans have been huge in the last few games so I am really pleased for them.

"Even after Cardiff got their equaliser, the one set of fans we heard was ours.”

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