The Swans clinched a thrilling 2-1 comeback win this afternoon against one of our traditional bogey teams.
2nd half goals by Morgan Bates and an excellent direct free kick by Josh Pescatore won us the points.
Delighted for the boys, who showed tremendous appetite.
A really exhilarating 2nd half performance won us the points today against a highly regarded Millwall side, who’ve a good record against us at this level – including beating us over extra time at the New Den back in April in the PDL Cup Final.
We were down to the bare bones of a squad today – both Morgan Bates and Josh Pescatore played last night for the U21. 15 year olds Harvey Gray and Bobo Evans came over to join the substitutes’ bench having already played a stint in our U16s’ 1-1 draw with the same opponents on the adjacent pitch at Landore today.
We adopted an initial 4-5-1 formation, switching to 4-3-3 over time to give Morgan Bates some much needed support up front: Sam Seager; Osian Williams (s – Harvey Gray 84m), Brogan Popham, Wahab Ojetero (s – Kiel Higginson 33m), Callum Deacon (captain); Josh Pescatore, Harlan Perry, Alex Godfrey, Aidan Higgins, Caio Ifans (s – Callum Jones 71m); Morgan Bates.
Unused subs: Isaac Dudding, Bobo Evans.
We started the game looking quite disorganised, often creating our own problems with poor anticipation and passing. New boy Wahab Ojetero didn’t look completely fit, was off the pace and may need some time to adjust to this level. It was little surprise when he limped off after half an hour with Kiel Higginson stepping in as a straight swop.
By this time we were already a goal down. Alex Godfrey had initially seized on a scuffed goalkeeping clearance, only to see his chip come back off the post. Millwall broke straight up the other end of the pitch to score through Tektas. Even after only 11 minutes, this seemed inevitable, as we looked all over the place defensively.
Godfrey and Aidan Higgins appeared to be our most potent threats. We were fortunate to escape without conceding further before half-time.
We reorganised and, pleasingly, looked far more secure and capable after the interval. Morgan Bates, who’d had thin pickings to that point, got more direct support from Higgins and Pescatore. Caio Ifans, in an unusual advanced left sided role, started getting a lot of success as an outlet and we looked far more menacing as the game went on.
The youngsters got their reward when some intricate battling close quarters play by Brogan Popham and Higgins worked the ball through to put Bates clear to equalise from close range on 56 minutes.
Millwall – who’d started so convincingly – were reduced to occasional breakaways as we were a side transformed. Caio Ifans won a free kick with a typical darting run and vigorous challenge that was stopped by Parkes on the edge of the penalty area. Although Millwall lined up a tall wall, the angle looked tailor made for Josh Pescatore”¦ and he duly scored with a brilliant lofted shot beyond the keeper.
From that point on, the result never really looked in doubt. Winger Callum Jones made his first appearance of the season from the bench and gave a very encouraging cameo. As the visitors pushed forward in some desperation, we had some breathtaking moments at the back, but the rearguard – superbly led by Popham and Higginson, with Williams and Deacon playing their full parts – repelled everything thrown into the box.
Right at the end, we caught Millwall on the break – Callum Jones played in Alex Godfrey, who did everything right by taking the ball beyond the advancing goalie, only to miss the open net with his weaker left foot.
No matter, the whistle sounded moments after and the boys rightly celebrated a highly spirited, skilful and hard-earned victory against the odds.
So many creditable performances across the park: Caio Ifans had a stormer, Aidan Higgins now looks so much more the part with very neat close control, our back four was exceptional, Morgan Bates toiled tirelessly, Pescatore’s classy moments told. Josh ended up filling in at right back as we saw the game out. It’s the sort of team performance that gives me real hope for the future.
Other good news is that Tom Woodward was present in the stands – and walking unaided despite what has been reported as a significant knee injury. Hopefully he won’t be out for too long.
It didn’t even seem that cold!