Ayew goal gives Swansea lead over Barnsley

Swansea will take a narrow advantage back to south Wales for the second leg of their Championship play-off semi-final with Barnsley thanks to Andre Ayew’s fine individual goal.

Ayew gave the visitors the lead before the break when he cut inside from the right and curled an unstoppable left-footed effort past home goalkeeper Bradley Collins.

Roared on vociferously by 4,000 home fans, the Tykes made a great start to the second half but could not find the breakthrough they needed as Swans goalkeeper Freddie Woodman made a smart low save from substitute Carlton Morris and denied Callum Brittain on the rebound.

Morris nearly grabbed an injury-time equaliser but saw his flick from Cauley Woodrow’s corner come back off the crossbar.

The pair meet again at the Liberty Stadium on Saturday with a place in the Championship play-off final at Wembley on 29 May on the line.

Ayew’s moment of genius brought the tie to life after an opening 39 minutes that had been high on commitment but low on chances.

The Ghanaian also saw a late effort charged down as he looked to cut in from the right once more and fellow Swans forward Jamal Lowe blasted wide after drifting in from the other flank.