Against a side that had won its last 6 games, this very young Swans squad responded commendably. We went down 3-1, but – although the game was frequently stretched end to end – our youngsters more than matched their opponents in terms of creating pleasing passages of play and clear opportunities. On another day, the team could have scored 3 or more goals of their own.
The match was played in typical Swansea weather – all 4 seasons in 90 minutes, including a fierce downpour of hailstones.
Credit goes to our coaching staff for being bold enough to deal with absences by selecting an extremely young but competitive squad, including some positional adaptations – notably Tom Woodward playing a deeper midfield role alongside Jacob Cook.
Our starting line-up featured members of our U16 – and even U15 set up – and the playing XI got progressively younger during the 2nd half.
We varied formations throughout, but for the most part seemed to settle on an unusual 3-2-3-2 line-up: Ewan Griffiths (captain); Carter Heywood (s – Elis Thomas 81m), Teo Minchev, Brogan Popham; Tom Woodward, Jacob Cook; Cameron Llewellyn, Bobo Evans (s – Kai Rhodes 71m), Josh Pescatore; Aidan Higgins (s – Harvey Gray 68m), Ramon Rees-Siso.
It didn’t appear as though there was any serious intent to play unused subs Sammy Henia-Kamau or Seb Dabrowski, probably for fitness concerns. We also didn’t name a substitute goalkeeper.
We got off to a poor start by conceding a penalty on 8 minutes with a miscued interception and consequent risky follow-up challenge in the area. The finish was emphatic.
With a young and unfamiliar back 3, we initially looked rather shaky: Birmingham pressed and it looked as though we’d be in for an uncomfortable afternoon. Gradually our team settled, started to get its passing movements underway and putting the visitors under pressure. Aidan Higgins hasn’t had too many opportunities since he joined our academy in the Summer. He was asked to play a central role in attack today and – after an uncertain start – really grew into the role and linked well with his midfielders and flankmen.
Minchev’s 19th minute equaliser from a corner that ping ponged around the box was well-earned.
Birmingham unexpectedly went back in front shortly afterward with a shot from distance that took a slight deflection on the way in. Jacob Cook immediately tried a daring shot from the resultant kick-off that Brum keeper Warmington was alert to.
Although there were occasions where we overplayed long high balls that neither Higgins nor Rees-Siso was going to be able to compete for, when we delivered our normal passing game, we looked far more accomplished and really ought to have equalised before half-time. Both strikers were put through but their efforts either saved or off target.
Further impressive link-up play continued into the 2nd half – Pescatore and Llewellyn going close – but Birmingham got a crucial 3rd from a free header with just over 20 minutes to go.
As the weather deteriorated and the substitutions reduced the team’s age and grade level experience further, we could quite easily have folded. Woodsjov in particular was put through on a few occasions, but keeper Ewan Griffiths showed great anticipation and prevented any further breaches. Harvey Gray, who’d come on to take up the central striking role, had a couple of stabs at getting on the scoresheet before the close.
Lots to commend about our performance. It was understandable we’d have a few errors from time to time, but the players all stepped up and showed great resilience in difficult circumstances. Hard to pick out individuals, but Jacob Cook, Teo Minchev, Cam Llewellyn, Aidan Higgins and Bobo Evans were particularly prominent. All our debutants rose to the challenge as well. Pretty encouraging, really, and bodes well for the future.
Birmingham coach was Martin Ollerenshaw.
Scoring: O’Shea (penalty) 0-1 8m; Minchev 1-1 19m; Eubank 1-2 25m; Burrell 1-3 68m.
On reflection, a couple of things I should’ve specifically mentioned and that may also have hopefully been evident to fellow spectators today.
Pleasing that keeper Ewan Griffiths was noticeably very proactive to come off his line to deal decisively with attacking threats.
Although we had an understandably edgy start, it was particularly encouraging to see how our U15/16 tyros – particularly the young subs – slotted into position so naturally and contributed confidently.