A cracking cup display and scalp for our U21 earlier today against Cat1 Brighton.
The 3-1 win was thoroughly deserved and against an opposition that contributed fully to a match played at ferocious pace throughout.
Brighton deployed an aggressive 4-2-4 formation, with 2 tricky wingers causing problems. It looked as though we’d done our homework, as we adopted a 5-3-2 line-up, with Joe Thomas and Zane Myers detailed to deal with the flankmen. Thomas, in particular, covered a lot of ground, was solid defensively and constructive going forward.
Our team was: Evan Watts; Joe Thomas (s Ruben Davies 71m), Harry Jones, Filip Lissah, Kai Ludvigsen, Zane Myers (s Richard Faakye 61m); Liam Smith, Kian Jenkins, Ben Lloyd; Kyrell Wilson, Kristian Fletcher. Unused subs: Josh Carey, Ben Hughes, Dan Watts.
Right winger Ifill had some early success getting to the byline and on 5 minutes centred for left back Slater to get in a shot that was blocked. During the opening quarter, we weren’t initially particularly creative as the players stuck to their tasks. Ben Lloyd went close with a long distance shot after 16 minutes, but it was largely a case of seeing out the visitors’ pressure.
That changed with a telling intervention by Ludvigsen. He forcefully beat his opponent to a Brighton throw-in and worked the ball to Wilson, who in turn released Fletcher. The American still had a lot to do, but retained possession into the penalty area and finished with a thumping drive.
Brighton continued to press – right back Nilsson one-two’d his way beyond our rearguard and sent a deflected shot against the post. Evan Watts dealt capably with the subsequent corner and we managed to get to half-time preserving our 1 goal lead.
Perhaps demonstrating their strength in depth, Brighton replaced both wingers at half-time”¦ and put on 2 other capable wingers who hugged the touchline and kept Thomas and Myers busy.
Although Brighton missed a couple of half chances, we weathered the storm and it was notable that both Wilson and Fletcher were seeing a lot more of the ball, using pace and strength to get beyond the visitors’ highline defence. Wilson did really well to escape a defender’s lunge, continue his run into the area only to shoot right at the keeper’s legs.
It was something of a surprise that we conceded an equaliser on 57 minutes – sadly, a slip letting in the Brighton right winger Flower to streak clear, creating a straightforward chance for centre forward O’Mahony to score from close range. A minute later, almost exactly the same thing happened again but, this time, Watts stood up bravely to save with his chest. An inspired substitution and couple of positional moves saw Richard Faakye take up the left back role and Kyrell Wilson pushed to right back to deal with the wingmen threat. This worked a treat.
We always looked in control for the rest of the game. Faakye got a richly deserved assist when Ben Lloyd delayed cleverly to send him clear into the area. Faakye’s resultant low cross was passed into the net by a flustered Kavanagh. Fletcher, who has a terrific appetite for shooting, got his 2nd and the decisive 3rd 5 minutes from the end. Once again, Lloyd was the creator. Once again, Fletcher had lots to do – and he finished emphatically.
Brighton never let up – they continued to push hard, missed a glancing header in front of goal on 94 minutes, but we saw the game out.
The players must be delighted with the outcome. They battled determinedly and with no little skill. Ben Lloyd ran his socks off, combining defensive and attacking duties to great effect. Evan Watts breeds confidence among his defenders. Full credit also to Brighton – we beat a very good side today.
Goals: Fletcher 1-0 (28m), O’Mahony 1-1 (57m), Kavanagh og 2-1 (78m), Fletcher 3-1 (85m).
Have a browse of images from the match in this Swansea City Under 21 v Brighton and Hove Albion Under 21 match gallery.
Feature Image Credit: Majestic Media