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Wales Online
Wales Online
Sport
Ian Mitchelmore

Russell Martin reveals the man who gave Swansea City teamtalk today and the little boy the derby win was all for

Russell Martin revealed Swansea City's kitman gave his players a rousing team-talk prior to his side's dramatic derby victory over Cardiff City - which he dedicated to a young fan battling cancer.

Morgan Ridler is due to restart chemotherapy following the Swans' memorable 3-2 triumph over the Bluebirds, and the club did all in their power to make it a day for the three-year-old to remember.

He enjoyed a kickabout with Swansea's coaching staff before the game at Cardiff City Stadium while he was carried on to the field of play by captain Matt Grimes.

READ MORE: The Swansea City vs Cardiff City player ratings as Joel Piroe dazzles and Ben Cabango turns hero in incredible fashion

And after his side secured a dramatic victory in the Welsh capital, Martin revealed how grateful he was to enjoy the fallout of what was his fourth successive win over the Bluebirds.

"Firstly, I thought we played really well, coming away from home, we had the best moments," he said. "If we don't concede a really poor goal just after scoring I think it's a very different game.

"To show the courage and character they did after it went to 2-2 with the atmosphere how it was, I'm amazingly grateful to the players, and the supporters.

"I'd rather not have that every week for your heart rate, but the emotion at the end was incredible. I'm so proud of the players. The way we're asking them to play, the situation we've been in, how they've come through it is just amazing. I don't think that can ever be understated.

"You saw how together everyone is. The injured players, the staff on the pitch at the end. Mike Eames gave the team-talk today on how much it meant to him.

"Mike's been present in all of these, him and the other kitman, Shaun (Baggridge), amazing people. They play such an important role. They've also been incredibly supportive of us.

"Without getting too mushy, it means a lot. I'm really grateful to have another special moment here.

"We spoke about it before the game, little Morgan who was our mascot today, we sent him a video yesterday, what he's been through already in his early life at three years old is so difficult and puts things in perspective.

"So we spoke about trying to give his family a special day and I'm so grateful we could do that."

Indeed, young Morgan was treated to a glorious afternoon as the Swans clinched a second successive league double over their rivals.

They raced into a two-goal lead courtesy of strikes from Joel Piroe and Liam Cullen, although, after Jaden Philogene pulled a goal back for the hosts, Cardiff looked destined to clinch a draw courtesy of Sory Kaba's 82nd minute header.

But Ben Cabango lashed home from close range after Sabri Lamouchi's men failed to clear their lines from Jay Fulton's free-kick to ensure the visitors clinched all three points in dramatic fashion while sparking dramatic scenes of celebration.

“From no-one doing two in a row to then doing four is an incredible feat for the players," added Martin. "I am really proud of them because they have written themselves in the history books.

“It’s more about the feeling we can give people – the moment and the emotion we can share.

“And also, In every single one we've won, we've won in our way, which is the best bit. I said that to the players before the game today, we are going to win and win our way, and that will be the best feeling.

“We didn’t come here and dog it out and fight. We didn’t do that against Bristol City when we were in a tough period and were getting loads of criticism from all angles. We have stuck to what we want to be, the players have been incredible."

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