Not the most stylish of performances, although our young side can take credit for a hardworking 1-0 win earlier today.
We started a familiar U18 3-4-2-1: Kit Margetson; Arthur Parker (captain), Ben Phillips, Teo Minchev; Cameron Llewellyn, Harlan Perry, Jacob Cook, Aimar Govea; Thomas Woodward, Yori Griffith; Rohan Davies.
We ended the game as a quite leggy and ragged 4-4-2, based mainly on the players available on the pitch: Margetson; Parker, Iestyn Jones, Minchev, Osian Williams; Govea, Perry, Cook, Josh Pescatore; Woodward, Griffith.
Unused substitutes were goalkeeper Ewan Griffiths and new scholar Kiel Higginson, returning from injury in a preseason game at Llandarcy.
It was a pretty even game for the most part. We created the better chances overall, although in truth our goal was rather fortunate – Cameon Llewellyn cutting inside on 29 minutes to shoot from outside the box, his shot taking a looped deflection to take it over the despairing keeper.
Minchev took the honours at the back and particularly for an outstanding saving tackle against Coventry’s trialist centre forward who’d been put clear by a great pass that cut through the Swans rearguard with less than 10 minutes to go.
Woodward and Griffith ran themselves to a standstill. Both have goals in them. All the youngsters – including U16s Perry and Phillips – played their part. Govea seems to have the confidence now to easily beat his full back, although his final delivery still needs a bit of work.
Coventry were lively opposition. Their trialist substitutes made a difference, perhaps didn’t possess that cutting edge to get anything from the game – but it was touch and go in that last 15 minutes. We just about got over the line, including a booking for Williams and some determined defending in the 6 minutes’ added time.
Coventry were coached by former Welsh international Mark Delaney.
Have a browse of images from the match in this Swansea City Under 18 v Coventry City Under 18 match gallery.
Feature Image Credit: Majestic Media