A really strange game today at Landore, a very poor 1st half followed by a rejuvenated and very encouraging 2nd half showing.
Most of this was down to us fielding a much-changed XI, featuring a number of younger players who understandably were a little over-awed to start with, plus some slightly more experienced players who didn’t initially perform to the high standards coach Darren Davies has got them to perform to this season.
We started in our normal 3-4-2-1 shape, but numerous changes in personnel and positions: Ewen Griffiths; Arthur Parker, Jada Mawongo, Zane Myers; trialist, Dan Watts, Jacob Cook, Aimar Govea; Geoff Bony, Yori Griffith; Rohan Davies.
Subs: Cameron Llewellyn for Govea 52m; Sam Parker for Arthur Parker 60m; Thomas Woodward for Davies 77m.
For Watford, Ramirez-Spain for Boulding 84m; Massiah-Edwards for trialist 88m.
We kept the same shape throughout but, post-subs, our finishing line-up was: Griffiths; Sam Parker, Mawongo, Myers; Cameron Llewellyn, Watts, Cook, trialist; Woodward, Griffith; Bony.
Watford’s side was notably bigger and stronger, perhaps being slightly older and stronger made a significant difference. Either way, they dominated the 1st half and we were fortunate to make it to half-time being only 1-0 down. Pony-tailed left footed midfielder Aguiular took all his side’s set-pieces and scored a soft free-kick on 13 minutes that went through our wall and past keeper Griffiths into the corner of the net. Watford had already hit the post by then from powerful winger Adu-Poku. Aguilar continued to cause problems throughout the half, notably from corners which we couldn’t seem to deal with.
We had a single chance in the first half, a scuffed shot from Davies after a strong Bony run, but generally looked uneasy and undermined, our midfield overpowered and our forwards far too apart from one another. Disappointingly, our defence resumed that daft short pass out routine, which Watford’s keen forwards closed down, lapped up and caused further jeopardy – our defence today didn’t have the confidence or the distribution skills to make that stunt work.
It’s difficult to say for certain why we were so much better after the interval: neither side changed personnel, perhaps Watford got a bit exhausted of chasing us down, but certainly Dan Watts and Jacob Cook started seeing a lot more of the ball and we got a lot more control and finally started making chances. Yori Griffith also looked much more acclimatised to the game and it was his centre that enabled Rohan Davies to get a deserved equaliser on 59 minutes. 3 minutes later Cam Llewellyn was really unfortunate to get ruled offside when potting home from another Griffith cross.
We had numerous opportunities after that and, even then, tried to throw the game away with a disastrous mispass in added time that gave Watford an open goal, only for Ewen Griffiths to rise to the occasion with a brave point blank save.
On the overall balance of the match, we should have won. Our youngsters – including our fledgling subs – will have benefited greatly from the hard yards today, they came out with great credit. Man of the match for me was Dan Watts, unrelenting and creative. After a tough start, Yori Griffith had a strong outing, very promising. Plaudits also to Ewen Griffiths for some crucial saves.
Our right wing trialist, pictured, had a subdued first half, in line with the rest of the side. He saw more of the ball after the interval and, although obviously right footed, improved further on being switched to the left wing when Cam Llewellyn came on for Aimar Govea. He’s slightly built, but has good ball receipt and over time showed good linkup play and distribution, perhaps understandably overanxious to shoot to make an impression. Worth another outing, I’d say.
Why not have a browse of the Swansea City Under 18 v Watford Under 18 Professional Development League Cup image gallery.
Feature Image Credit: Majestic Media