The U21 got a well earned 2-0 win over Briton Ferry Llansawel’s senior side this evening. The relentless drizzle kept the crowd to a disappointing minimum. It was something of a slog for both sides, although we did enough to deserve the win.
We included 4 of the trialists from the Trefelin game and also promoted a couple of the U18 from last night’s friendly at the same venue.
Line-up: Ben Hughes; Zac Jeanes, Harry Jones (s – Iestyn Jones 46m), Theo Robinson, Seb Dabrowski (s – Callum Deacon 46m); Jacob Cook (s – Harlan Perry 60m), Mitchell Bates (captain) (s – Josh Pescatore 60m), Glory Nzingo (s – Tom Woodward 46m); James Graham, Sammy Henia-Kamau, Kevin Hanratty. Unused subs: Sam Seager, Brogan Popham, Ramon Rees-Siso.
Sammy Henia-Kamau led the line, the 2 Scottish trialists hugged each touchline, perhaps not allowing them to shine to best effect. Decent performances from the trialist full back and central defender, both of whom showed commendable commitment and confidence on the ball despite the conditions.
Lots of effort but little in the way of clear opportunities in the first half. Swansea had most of the possession although at one point the play ping ponged perilously in front of the visitors’ goal before Dabrowski managed to scramble the ball off the line.
Tom Woodward’s introduction sharpened up our attacking play and it was no surprise when he intercepted a through ball to round the Ferry keeper to put the Swans 1 up on 61 minutes. 10 minutes later Henia-Kamau latched onto a short backpass and performed the same trick to put the ball into an empty net to seal the game. For all their endeavour and speculative shots from distance, Ferry weren’t likely to come back from that. Swansea saw the game out with Ben Hughes making some spectacular saves in the closing minutes.
Henia-Kamau showed willing and panache. Iestyn Jones, Tom Woodward and Harlan Perry made a really positive impression in the 2nd half.
Ferry face a big challenge this season in the Cymru Premier. Tom Price is a quality acquisition, they will need more than that though to thrive at the top level.
We’re still not quite firing on all cylinders, are missing players and it’s quite apparent we also need replacements following the close season cull – but tonight perhaps gave the management team increased evidence to make the right choices.
Feature Image Credit: John Smith/FAW