André Ayew bags brace as Swansea City defeat Middlesbrough

Ghana forward Andre Ayew's brace helped Swansea bring a run of six league games without a win to an end as they walloped nine-man Middlesbrough at the Liberty Stadium.

The 28-year-old poacher was on hand just after 20 minutes, converting from the spot after being bundled over by Dael Fry inside the box.

But Boro fought back to level the scoreline through Marcus Tavernier's well-taken strike in the 59th minute.

Swansea took full advantage of a red card handed to Boro’ Marcus Browne with Ayew grabbing his ninth of the season before Sam Surridge drilled home a third just a minute later to give Swansea a 3-1 win.

After watching his side hammered by West Brom last weekend, Swansea manager Steve Cooper had heralded Wednesday's draw at Blackburn as "a defining moment in the personality and character" of his team, which had previously won just three of their last 16 games.