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JASON SCOTLAND enjoyed a welcome return to goalscoring form as his vital brace saw off relegation-threatened Norwich and kept Swansea's playoff dreams alive.

While midfielder Joe Allen was the driving force in a rejuvenated Swans performance, it was Scotland's goals, his first in five games, either side of former Cardiff striker Alan Lee's header that made the difference. The Trinidad and Tobago international started things off with a superb long-range effort on the half-hour mark before converting a second-half penalty, won by his trickery, to take his tally to 23 for the season.

In a game they simply had to win, the Swans were back to their passing best at times. But, with Roberto Martinez's back four under pressure throughout, they were made to work hard for their three points.

Swansea started the game brightly, taking the game to their visitors from the very first whistle. And, had skipper Garry Monk not been cruelly denied by the angle of the goalpost after eight minutes, they would have had the early lead they needed.

With Jordi Gomez and Scotland also going close for the hosts, it took Norwich a while to get into the game. But they nearly stole an unlikely lead as Lee shrugged off Ashley Williams and beat keeper Dorus de Vries only to see his shot drift agonisingly wide.

Swansea seemed to react to that warning shot and got the lead they deserved on the hour mark. Spanish winger Andrea Orlandi held the ball up superbly on the left before feeding Scotland on the edge of the area and, having turned his defender, the striker drilled an unstoppable shot past David Marshall in the Norwich goal.

The lead didn't last long though as Lee made the most of some poor defending to steer Adam Drury's cross past a static de Vries. It was a sucker-punch to the Swans who, despite being the better side, had to go in for the break level at 1-1.

Martinez's men started the second half much the same as the first and it wasn't long before they got their reward. Some superb work from Joe Allen eventually saw Scotland receive the ball in the box and, when a clumsy challenge from Norwich skipper Gary Doherty sent him tumbling, the prolific frontman picked himself up to slam home the resulting penalty and make it 2-1.

Norwich, who are fighting for their lives at the bottom of the Championship, never gave up though. And, with chances coming at both ends, the Swans were forced to endure a nervy ending before securing the three points they so desperately needed.

SWANSEA: De Vries, Tate, Williams, Monk (Cpt), Bessone; Allen, Britton, Gomez; Dyer (Pintado 85), Orlandi (MacDonald 67); Scotland.

Subs not used: Gower, Serran, Bauza.

Goals: Scotland 29, pen 50

NORWICH: Marshall, Otsemobor, Shackell, Doherty (Cpt), Drury (Croft 54); Mooney, Clingan, Russell (Gow 85), Lappin (McDonald 67), Bertrand; Lee.

Subs not used: Nelson, Leijer.

Goals: Lee 33

Referee: Graham Salisbury (Lancashire)

Att: 15,783