Only 15 minutes and 13 seconds had elapsed when 16,313 members of the Jack Army were able to celebrate their side's first goal in three-and-a-half matches.
On his first Swansea City appearance in almost two months, Jamie Paterson produced an inviting cross for Michael Obafemi to head home what proved to be the winner against Blackburn Rovers.
The 30-year-old was embraced by his team-mates after registering what was his fifth assist of the campaign - and it was just the lift the Swans needed following a barren run in front of goal.
It served as a timely reminder of just how important Paterson has been to Russell Martin this term as Swansea secured only their second win in 10 matches by beating Rovers.
"It was a great three points in the end. We showed our togetherness towards the end of the game and I think we deserved that," said Paterson.
"Going down to 10 men kind of helped us a little bit, it got the crowd behind us.
“Hopefully we can build on that in the next few games.”
Paterson missed five Championship games after stating he was not in the right frame of mind to feature amid a contract dispute with the club's owners.
Such is the importance of Paterson to the Swans, the former Bristol City man has dominated Martin's press conferences in recent weeks.
The head coach has shown nothing but support for the playmaker throughout the saga and pledged to help Paterson overcome the personal struggles that emerged as a result of his contract situation.
“It’s been difficult. It’s been well-documented. A lot of media have spoken about it, some lies, some truth," revealed Paterson.
“To be fair all I wanted to do was get back on the pitch and play football. That’s what I love doing and that’s where I am happiest.
“I think the fans saw that [on Saturday] – I put in 100% effort as always and I am just happy to be back playing.
“I was honest with the gaffer and he was honest with me. Our relationship was sturdy as ever.
“We spoke every day I think. The gaffer knew my situation before when I got injured [last summer] and ended up without a club – it was a difficult period for me.
“Sometimes I feel like it’s better to be honest with people instead of holding your emotions in.
“In football, a lot of players haven’t really got the bravery or don’t want to come out and say they are struggling. That’s what it was.
“All I can control is how I feel, I don’t blame any of the fans if some of them are angry over the situation, it’s understandable.
“But I think they are an honest bunch and as long as they see me giving 100% on the pitch, they are happy and I am happy.”
As a result of his absence last month, Paterson was the subject of fierce transfer interest in the winter market.
Swansea rejected no fewer than three bids from Queens Park Rangers for Paterson's services - with Martin admitting clubs were "chancing their arm" when enquiring about the attacker.
"Sometimes it’s not in your hands. If clubs bid for you, it’s not up to me if I leave or stay," he admitted.
“But I am just happy to be here now. I am just glad it’s over with and I am back playing.”
Martin and chief executive Julian Winter have been determined to set the record straight regarding Paterson's absence from the squad of late.
Both Swansea figures stressed that Paterson never once informed the coaching staff that he would not turn out for the club.
“I never refused to play. I think everybody knows that," he said.
“Me and the gaffer had an honest conversation about how I was struggling and that’s how it panned out in the end.
“Things come out in the media that make things a lot more difficult to navigate through.
“But I think we did that perfectly. I am back on the pitch now and playing so it’s testament to our relationship that that’s how it panned out.”
Fans wasted no time in showing their love for the Coventry-born ace upon his return to action.
His song was chanted regularly throughout the win over Blackburn while supporters raised the noise levels when Kev Johns announced his name over the stadium's speaker system prior to kick-off.
They were moments that ultimately gave Paterson an enormous lift ahead of a game in which he once again showed why Martin has so much faith in him.
“It was an amazing feeling. That gave me the confidence just to follow up from the games [I have played] before. I felt like I slotted straight in," he admitted.
“I felt OK fitness-wise as well, but that little boost from the fans always helps and I am just glad I repaid them with an assist in the end.”
Sources inside the club have regularly stated how Paterson was sorely missed during his time away from the Fairwood training ground.
Fellow summer signing Joel Piroe has been the biggest beneficiary of Paterson's improvement at Swansea, although the Dutchman scored just once in six matches without partner-in-crime Paterson backing him up.
But Piroe was as delighted as his manager to see Paterson remain at Swansea after the 11pm transfer deadline on January 31, so much so that the striker called his team mate on FaceTime shortly after the window has closed.
"Pato was surprised. Joel showed him a bit of champagne and decided to celebrate that he was staying," revealed head coach Martin on the pair's late-night call on deadline day.
Following a tough chapter, all eyes are now on the remainder of the 2021/22 Championship calendar.
So what are Paterson's aims for the future? The answer was as clear as it was short.
“To stay at Swansea," said Paterson.
"It’s up to them. If they want to keep me here long-term, it’s not up to me. I love it here. Everyone knows I love it. I love playing under the gaffer, I love the lads, so I have got no reason to leave the football club.”
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