Today’s match kick-off was held up for 30 minutes whilst the mandatory ambulance was organised. The crowd was left to ponder as to the reason for the delay, as not only does the ground tannoy still fail to function, but the match announcer is also unwell. Get well soon, Eirian. With recent games lacking even basic teamsheets, the whole academy organisation is looking rather disorderly.
We set up as 4-3-3: Evan Anderson; Zac Jeanes (s – Josh Pescatore 46m), Arthur Parker (captain), Iestyn Jones, Blair McKenzie (s – Carter Heywood 90+2m); Tom Woodward, Dan Watts, Yori Griffith (s – Callum Deacon 49m); Sam Parker, Morgan Bates, Caleb Demery (s – Kai Rhodes 73m).
Unused sub: Tom Wright (g/k)
Of those missing, Seb Dabrowski is still suspended after being sent off in the recent home game with Brentford; Ramon Rees-Siso is injured; Harlan Perry has joined Cardiff Met on loan with U18s centre half Brogan Popham. Both made their debuts today in Met’s Welsh Cup tie with Caernarfon.
Our U21s got off to the worst possible start, conceding in the opening minute when a lofted through ball caught our defence sleeping. Wolves centre forward Angel, looking ever so slightly offside, ran on to convert high past Anderson, who had stayed on his line. Angel and his partner Holman proved a physical, competitive handful for Arthur Parker and Iestyn Jones throughout the match. Jones had to rescue Anderson when another lofted ball found Angel bearing down on the keeper on 17 minutes.
The Swans gradually got into gear, found rhythm and created chances, Tom Woodward coming closest with a volley over from the edge of the box. He then shot against the post after Jones and Morgan Bates had opened up space. Our usual passing precision wasn’t quite to the fore, though, and we made ourselves susceptible to breaks from loose possession.
It was understandable that coach Anthony Wright would apply some tweaks at half-time: Josh Pescatore came into the right wing, Sam Parker moving back. This actually brought Sam into the game rather more and we were rewarded for a lively restart when Caleb Demery and Bates found Woodward in space to fire home from close range. Demery, perhaps having his best game at this level, had a shot blocked, as did Bates as we looked to build on an encouraging spell. Sam Parker sent a right footed shot whistling past the post moments later. Further chances fell to Demery, Woodward, Bates and Pescatore as the Wolves goal led a charmed life.
With just over 20 minutes to go, Parker delivered another fine flighted shot from the edge of the area, the ball striking the post and Bates deservedly potting the rebound. The vital third goal simply wouldn’t come – Pescatore’s shot coming back off the woodwork before Rawlings, who’d gone close a few minutes earlier from a corner routine, broke to get a shock equaliser. Pescatore had yet another shot parried by Wolves keeper Benjamin, but in the last 10 minutes we were looking increasingly leg weary. Wolves scented vulnerability and skipper Voice fashioned a cross cum shot that somehow found its way into the Swans net in added time.
There was still time for an unorthodox scissors kick by Bates from a last gasp corner, but we ran out of time to retrieve the game.
The result felt hard justice for players like Demery, Jones, Watts, and especially Morgan Bates, who worked tirelessly throughout, both in attack and defence. Callum Deacon also made a very positive impression in midfield after replacing Yori Griffith, who suffered an ankle injury shortly after half-time in what was always a physical contest, but an entertaining one.
Contrary to what the teamsheet says, this was our fourth tie in the Group G qualifying table, last week’s home game with Nottingham Forest having been postponed due to a waterlogged pitch. So far the table looks like:
Nottingham Forest – played 3 – won 3 – points 9
Wolves – played 5 – won 2, drawn 1 – points 7
Swans – played 4 – won 2 – points 6
Millwall – played 4 – drawn 1 – points 1
It probably didn’t materially affect today’s result, it’s worth noting though that today’s match referee was the poorest seen for some time at Landore. Over-officious, petty, whistle-happy, card-happy and frequently plain wrong. A poor reflection on the Massey officiating legacy.
Scoring: Angel 0-1 1m; Woodward 1-1 49m; Bates 2-1 69m; Rawlings 2-2 82m; Voice 2-3 90+2m.