It was a night Liam Cullen won’t forget in a hurry.

The 21-year-old not only notched his first Championship goal for Swansea City, but was part of an incredible finale which saw Steve Cooper’s side qualify for the play offs and keep their dreams of Premier League promotion alive.

Ahead of kick off the Swans not only needed to win to make the top six, but hope that either Cardiff were beaten at home by lowly Hull, or Nottingham Forest lost to Stoke City with a five goal swing in the process.

With 25 minutes remaining in all games the likelihood was remote. Cardiff led 2-0 (en route to an eventual 3-0 win) and both Swansea and Forest were locked at 1-1.

By the time Cullen was introduced to the fray in the 81st minute at the Madejski Stadium the scenario had changed. Swansea were now 2-1 up, with Forest 3-1 down at the City Ground.

And just moments later the Kilgetty man made his mark in style, sweeping home a left footed half volley to put his side within a goal of the unlikely.

That goal duly came injury time through Wayne Routledge, and then came the agonising news that there had been a change in the score at Forest – only for Cullen and co to breathe a sigh of relief when it emerged Stoke had made it 4-1 in the 97th minute.

The Welsh age group international has scored prolifically for the club’s academy for some time, but has had to be patient in his quest for first team opportunities since making his debut in a League Cup game against Crystal Palace in August 2018.

Last night was his sixth league appearance as a substitute, but one which will linger long in the memory.

“I’ve never felt a feeling like that on a football pitch before,” said Cullen after the game.

“It’s always nice to score having come through the academy, but to get my first senior goal for this club – especially with the circumstances – is amazing.

“I saw Andre going up for the header, so I tried to get myself in the middle of the goal like I’ve been taught for so many years.

“Everyone really backs Andre to win his battles; you’ve seen how good he’s been this season.

“Thankfully, he won that one and it was a bit of a stretch, but I managed to get a good contact on it and just direct it into the top corner.”

The one downside is Cullen had no away fans there to enjoy the moment with, although there was little time for celebration as he and teammates duly sprinted back to halfway knowing they had to score again.

“I’m a bit gutted there was no fans, but to get it in a game like this and us secure a play-off spot at the same time is literally a feeling I cannot describe.

“It was always a dream to play and score for this club. I live on goals really; that’s the only thing I want to do on a football pitch, so to finally get it is a dream come true.

“It’s nice to repay the gaffer’s faith; I’ve been chatting regularly with him during training and he’s always been positive with me and helped me. I’m very proud.”

There was hesitation at the end as players and coaches waited for news to filter through from Forest. But now the Swans will prepare for a first leg with Brentford at the Liberty Stadium on Sunday, before the return at Griffin Park three days later.

Should they get through that, it would set up a play off final at Wembley on August 5th with Fulham or Cardiff City. The latter scenario wouldn’t need any additional hype.

“When the whistle went, we were unsure whether to celebrate because we didn’t know what the result was in the other game.

“When we finally got the shout, they were celebrations like I’ve never had before. We’re looking forward to that game on Sunday now.”

Were Swansea to again defy the odds and seal promotion, Cullen would be set to become the fourth Pembrokeshire born player to appear in the Premier League after Mark Delaney, Simon Davies, and Joe Allen.