A really unusual match – we went 2 up early in the 2nd half but collapsed after Barnsley made some effective substitutions and sprung into life. The visitors could count themselves unlucky not to take full points from the game. It’s very rare to see our academy side completely lose control of the ball in such a comprehensive way.
A strong looking starting line-up, with players who couldn’t feature in Monday’s U17s cup tie returning to the fold. There was no goalkeeper substitute today, although recent new joiner Xavier McIntosh-Wells was in the stand, as was Carter Heywood.
Line-up: Tom Wright; Kaven Bloniarczyk, Archie Quick, Jack May, Dempsey Singer; Alfie Jones (captain), Bobo Evans, Sol Baker (s – Bobby Lewis 62m); Alex Godfrey (s – Kamron Williams 26m), Ioan Johnston, Kaleab Meron (s – Ifan Harding 62m).
Unused subs: Alffi Hughes, Rio Hassan
The opening exchanges were fairly even, although the young Swans appeared to have the cutting edge, taking the lead on 12 minutes with a well-taken first time shot from the edge of the area by Bobo Evans after Kaleab Meron’s shot was initially blocked.
Meron and Dempsey Singer were linking up well on the left.
Both sides had to make early substitutions – Barnsley’s Zaszlos going off after a foul by Evans and Alex Godfrey having to leave the action shortly after following a collision. Godfrey had gone close to putting the Swans 2 up immediately beforehand when Ioan Johnston set him up, but Barnsley keeper Mead kept his shot out with a leg.
Barnsley’s Noah Town, who gave us all sorts of problems throughout the match, went close on the half hour, May deflecting his shot wide. Ioan Johnston went close 5 minutes later and Sol Baker couldn’t keep the rebound from the parried shot on target. Overall, though, our high press kept us largely in control and Barnsley at bay. Bobo Evans, who had a busy half, worked his way into the visitors’ box only to be denied by Mead just before half-time and on the balance of play we looked good value for the lead.
We got a somewhat unexpected second early in the 2nd half when a high ball from Evans found its way via Meron to put Johnston completely clear, the former Briton Ferry Llansawel youngster finishing clinically.
A series of substitutions for both sides just after hour seemed to turn the tide in Barnsley’s favour. Bobby Lewis’s first impact was a shot that Mead kept out and that proved to be the last real opportunity that the Swans created.
Barnsley got a goal back when the Swans defence could not clear their lines, Reuben Jones hit the underside of the bar and Saunders smashed home the rebound. Three players were booked in the resulting unnecessary melee that followed. The referee, who was quick to penalise the mildest of challenges, continued randomly booking players for the rest of the match.
Barnsley dominated the remainder of the contest, our passing and control went to pieces and we couldn’t string simple passes together to alleviate the pressure, which is really unlike our team.
Ifan Harding, who came on up front, had to receive bandaging to a head injury, also being cautioned for his troubles in the process.
Barnsley kept the pressure up and finally got their reward when substitute Roebuck converted after Town’s shot was deflected onto the bar. They had further chances to finish the game off and we looked highly relieved to escape with a point.
In what was a disjointed team display, Ioan Johnston shone once more as a smart leader of the line. Dempsey Singer was the pick of a harassed defence.
Goalscoring: Evans (1-0 12m); Johnston (2-0 54m); Jones (2-1 68m); Roebuck (2-2 85m).