Matos hails a second clean sheet as a 'massive' positive

VITOR MATOS says a second consecutive clean sheet represents a 'massive' step for his Swansea City side, but says there's still plenty of room for improvement as he bids to haul them up the Championship table.

- TOM COLEMAN Sport reporter [e-mail]

> Manager Vitor Matos celebrates with Kaylan Casey after Swansea beat Portsmouth 1-0 on Tuesday night

(Gruffydd Thomas/Huw Evans Agency)

The Swans edged their way to a hard-earned victory over Portsmouth courtesy of Liam Cullen’s late strike at the Swansea.com Stadium, the second straight win under the Portuguese.

The result lays down a promising foundation ahead of a bruising festive run, which begins with a trip to Stoke City this weekend.

But while acknowledging the importance of the result, it was the defensive solidity that appeared to please the Swans boss most on Tuesday night.

"I think more than that is one, the clean sheet. That we kept another clean sheet, especially at home. This kind of mentality, that understanding that we start building the things as well from the defensive way.