In the early weeks, the alpha males from the Black Country have scented easy prey in the harsh wilderness in which the struggle for Championship supremacy is won. Only a week ago there had been idle talk of Mick McCarthy’s men as a team who were capable of leaving most of their opponents in their wake. Now fear stalks them. Not only did Wolves relinquish leadership of the Championship, but in the course of four days, having already been left bloodied by Reading in midweek, they have deteriorated from invincibles to unconvincing.

It was a Trinidadian called Scotland who was the talk of Wales last night. Jason Scotland’s brace was the tangible prize, after Jordi Gomez had inflicted an early wound, and he also struck the bar. It was the striker’s sheer vigour which, as his manager Roberto Marinez agreed, established the tempo of the game. “He was really bright,” said the Spaniard. “He looked strong, and showed a little magic.”

Goalkeeper Carl Ikeme’s first touch was retrieving the ball from the net after 26 seconds. Andrea Orlandi found Gomez and the Spaniard beat Ikeme for his third goal in four games. A collective stupor appeared to have overcome Wolves, but they cleared their heads and Andy Keogh scored a fine equaliser from David Edwards’ pass on 16 minutes.

Though Wolves looked positive again, Swansea were more threatening. Mark Gower’s beautifully delivered drive past Ikeme was disallowed because Gomez was in an offside position. Then Darren Pratley headed on a corner, and Scotland hit the ball against the bar.

Four minutes before the interval Scotland burst through and though Ikeme plunged at his feet, the striker forced the ball home.After 57 minutes Scotland’s dynamism was too much for Wolves, as he shot across Ikeme into the far corner. There was no way back for McCarthy’s men, although late on, Stearman had an effort cleared off the line.

Star man: Jason Scotland (Swansea)

Referee: T Kettle

Attendance: 17,556

Swansea: De Vries 7, Williams 6, Painter 7, Monk 7, Rangel 6, Britton 8, Pratley 6, Orlandi 7 (Tudur-Jones 63min) Gower 7 (Bauza 89min), Gomez 7, Scotland 9 (Pintado 72min)

Wolverhampton Wanderers: Ikeme 6, Collins 6, Stearman 7, Friend 5 (Vokes 51min, 6), Foley 6, Henry 6, D Edwards 6, Jones 6, C Edwards 6 (Shackell 80min), Keogh 7, Ward 6