Russell Martin revealed Jay Fulton played a key role in Joel Piroe's equaliser for Swansea City as they came from behind to earn a 2-2 draw with Wigan Athletic.
The hosts left themselves with a mountain to climb at the Swansea.com Stadium as Will Keane and Tom Naylor both scored from set plays inside the opening 16 minutes.
However, Ryan Manning pulled one back for the hosts before Piroe netted his fifth goal of the campaign from the penalty spot to ensure Swansea remain unbeaten in their last five home matches.
READ MORE: Swansea City 2-2 Wigan Athletic: Manning and Piroe goals earn hosts a point
After referee Craig Pawson awarded the Swans a penalty following a foul on Kyle Naughton, Fulton took control of the ball on the penalty before handing it to Piroe who rifled beyond Jamie Jones.
"Brilliant from Jay Fulton," said Martin. "He took the pressure off Joel, protected him, looked after the ball and sorted the spot out because one of their players tried to scuff it up a little bit.
"That's proper from Jay. He's been outstanding. He was great today. He made it easier for Joel, that's what you want. We noticed that moment. At one point I did think he might be taking it and I'd have been comfortable with that because he strikes the ball as well as anyone.
"In terms of looking out for your team-mate and protecting each other, I absolutely loved that moment. I don't think Joel would have allowed anyone else to take it. I think that goal will do Joel the world of good. He's slowly coming back to where he needs to be after his suspension and, listen, we're excited about what we can achieve."
The comeback means Swansea have gained 12 points from losing positions so far this season, the highest tally in the league. However, Martin lamented his defenders for not paying attention to crucial detail as they twice conceded from corners in the early stages.
“We shot ourselves in the foot again with the two set-piece goals, but it takes big courage to come back in the way the players did," explained the head coach.
“We should have won the game. I don’t think anyone can disagree with that – it was such a dominant performance.
“I think you have to appreciate how difficult it is when you go 2-0 down to then avoid it becoming a game of basketball and going 3-0 down. We are all frustrated. We concede too many poor goals at the moment. But we should still win.
“We are so close to being the team everyone wants us to be - the fans, us, the players. We have lost two games in 10, we are very competitive at this level. But we want to be more than competitive – we want to really affect the league.”
Swansea return to action against Birmingham City on Tuesday night.
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