Tate has had mixed fortunes during his five years at Swansea

Tuesday's 2-0 win over Bristol Rovers ended a run of two defeats and a draw.

And that win put the Swans nine points clear at the top of League One ahead of the trip to promotion-chasing Southend on Good Friday.

"There were some doubters but I think that was outside the camp rather than inside it," said Tate, 25.

Interview: Swansea defender Alan Tate

Former Manchester United trainee Tate joined the Swans five years ago when they were battling against relegation from the Football League.

Since then, they have won promotion from League Two, moved to a new ground, and won the Football League Trophy along with two successes in the FAW Premier Cup.

There's only one thing stopping us now and that's ourselves Alan Tate

But they have also experienced heartache in a play-off final two years ago and narrowly missed out on last season's play-off spots.

And Tate admits he is surprised with the progress the club has made in the time he has been there.

"I wouldn't say you could have predicted where we are now back then," he said.

"We are clear at the top of the league, have brand new stadium and the Championship within reach.

"There's only one thing stopping us now and that's ourselves.

"A nine point lead is a significant gap. With the goal difference, it's more like a 10 point gap which is a nice, but it's not over yet."

And he praised his team-mates for bouncing back from their worst run of the season.

"We did play well on Tuesday night kicking on from two bad results and one bad performance, especially against Northampton," he said.

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"We've never doubted ourselves. The top teams have little dips in form so if they can have them, why can't we?

"No-one in the dressing room doubted us but it was a big three points for us and that's going to push us on now to the end of the season."

And he knows there are not going to be any easy games in the final run-in which start at Roots Hall against a Southend side that have lost just once in the last 10 games.

"I was surprised that we beat them 3-0 down here (in December) although they did have a man sent off.

"You always thought at the beginning of the season that Southend were going to be up there.

"I think it will be a tough game. But it's always been a good game down there over the years."