A really impressive 2nd half performance from our U18. We weren’t really at the races before the interval: the formation seemed right enough, but players are being played in positions that challenge them and it seems every mistake is punished. Some tweaks by coach Darren Davies before half-time and after the interval were not the sole reason – perhaps a stirring half-time talk also helped – but the entire side suddenly seemed energised after the break.
We kept the same formation as last Saturday and made just the one change, Ewan Griffiths coming back into the starting 3-4-1-2 line-up: Ewen Griffiths; Sam Parker, Jada Mawongo, Arthur Parker (sub David Roberts 78m); Thomas Woodward (sub Yori Griffith 46m), Richard Faakye, Josh Carey (captain), Zane Myers (sub Jacob Cook 85m); Aimar Govea (sub Cameron Llewellyn 78m); Geoff Bony, Iwan Morgan.
Not much of note had happened before Reading went ahead on 16 minutes. Hutchings retrieved a ball on the by-line that a Swansea defender was clearly expecting to roll over for a goal kick. A miscued clearance fell to Harris who flighted a perfect chip beyond Griffiths.
We had sustained spells of possession without creating a great deal and always seemed vulnerable to unforced errors in dangerous positions. One such gifted Harris an open run on goal in the 35th minute, but he chose the wrong option and we somehow managed to scramble the ball clear. Someone at Reading had done their homework beforehand, with the visitors’ high press putting us under pressure.
About 5 minutes before half-time, Govea and Woodward switched roles, with an immediate positive effect in our constructive play. Even so, Reading spurned another glorious chance in added time, again through a Swans mispass.
Yori Griffith replaced Woodward at the interval, slotting into the role behind Bony and Morgan. Within 5 minutes of the restart, he’d hooked in an equaliser from short range after Morgan initially connected with Carey’s free-kick. Our play continued to improve, Govea and Bony in particular delivering a cracking fluent move and with a final delivery that just eluded Morgan.
Reading made a novel goalkeeper substitution on 63 minutes, Griffith went close again and skipper Carey converted a wonderful free-kick on 71 minutes after he’d been fouled outside the Reading penalty area. 6 minutes later, the Swans broke from a Reading corner, Myers doggedly retained possession and sent Morgan away. He escaped a Reading defender, burst into the box and set up Bony for the 3rd, a great goal.
More chances came the team’s way in the period remaining and there was also time for Cam Llewellyn, Jacob Cook and David Roberts to have cameos in the closing stages.
Stirring performances by a number of our players, full credit to those who got through a difficult first half to contribute to some highly creative and effective inter play. Morgan and Bony were so much more involved as a consequence. It may not be his long term role, but that’s also the best I’ve seen Richard Faakye perform in a Swans shirt – he used his strength and determination well to retain possession and keep moves flowing.
Reading’s Furlong (40m), Campbell (53m) and Swansea’s Faakye (79m) were booked in a game that was never over physical. For those that are interested in these things, the official site report missed a further Reading substitute, Field coming on for Daniel-Spray on 82 minutes.
Have a browse of images from the match in this Swansea City Under 18 v Reading Under 18 match gallery.
Feature Image Credit: Majestic Media