A tough match this afternoon against a combative and attack minded Barnsley. We survived a thorough first half examination and offered up a much more positive performance after the interval. The 0-0 result seemed a fair reflection for both sides.
We started with quite an unusual formation – pretty much 3-6-1, which didn’t really help lone striker Josh Thomas, who was occasionally joined by Glory Nzingo or Ben Lloyd:
Kit Margetson; Iestyn Jones, Harry Jones (s – Richard Faakye 46m), Arthur Parker (s – Jacob Cook 62m); Zac Jeanes, Glory Nzingo (s – Thomas Woodward 62m), Dan Watts, Mitchell Bates (captain), Ben Lloyd (s – Callum Deacon 81m), Seb Dabrowski. Unused sub: Sam Seager.
Although we had a crowded midfield, we struggled to gain any early foothold and the visitors looked far more menacing. Striker Nzondo had already passed up 3 chances in the opening exchanges before left back Pickard struck the post with a ferocious drive on 20 minutes.
Margetson couldn’t hold a shot from Nzondo in the next move and it looked only a matter of time before we conceded. Dyer was next to hit the post just before the half hour mark.
Ben Lloyd stroked a long distance shot wide and debutant Zac Jeanes was a little hesitant when put clear by Nzingo as we somehow got to half-time still level.
Coach Anthony Wright took affirmative action at the interval, tweaking the formation to 4-3-3, with the returning Richard Faakye coming into the backline, Arthur Parker moving to right back and Seb Dabrowski dropped back on the other flank. Jeanes was moved up to the right wing and Glory Nzingo occupied the other wing to give Josh Thomas some much needed support. Barnsley remained a danger – their trialist centre half headed against the bar on the hour and then narrowly avoided putting a clearance into his own goal when Ben Lloyd broke clear at the other end of the pitch. The trialist and Lloyd got into a running battle and both ended up being booked for their troubles.
The Swans got much stronger with Thomas Woodward and Jacob Cook being introduced – Dan Watts dropping into the right back role but still having a major influence going forward. We started to look far more creative, but all Josh Thomas had to show for his efforts was a scuffed effort that didn’t worry the keeper. It could have gone either way in the closing stages, Barnsley fought back into the game and finished the match with a flurry of corners that the Swans players defended.
Iestyn Jones had a very energetic game in the back 4 – lots of interceptions and clearances, he really does look the part and is still only 17. No goals, but entertaining fare.
Barnsley were coached by long serving defender Nicky Eaden. Former Blackburn, Everton and Spurs keeper Bobby Mimms was among their coaching staff.