Although I could stay only for the first half before wandering down to the main stadium for the Norwich game, here’s a partial view of this U18s contest to the interval.
We greeted back a number of our age grade internationals and notably rotated the side and to offer what looked to be quite strong bench. We were still missing the injured Bobby Lewis and Ioan Johnston.
Alfie Jones and Kai Rhodes played in the U21s’ 4-2 win over the same opponents in late September and QPR fielded central defender Izik Abadom from that fixture.
Quite a modest attendance on a sunny morning at Landore – to be expected with the competing attraction down the road – and, although there was no media presence, at least there was a teamsheet.
QPR included left sided attacker 16 year old Declan De-Vulgt, son of the former Swans pro and who signed for Rangers in September from Trefelin, having made his Welsh Premier League debut in July. Understandably there was quite a representation of family and friends to watch him.
Swans line-up: Xavvie McIntosh-Wells; Kaven Bloniarczyk, Rio Hassan, Jack May, Kamron Williams; Alfie Jones (captain), Alffi Hughes, Sol Baker; Alex Godfrey, Harvey Gray, Kai Rhodes.
Named subs: Jakub Nowak, Buster Morgan, Dempsey Singer, Elis Thomas, Ifan Harding, Bobo Evans, Kaleab Meron.
We played 4-3-3 with Godfrey and Rhodes wide of Gray up front.
In a fairly even half, the Swans quickly went 1 up when a short corner routine allowed Sol Baker to find Kai Rhodes unattended on the edge of the QPR penalty area. Rhodes positioned himself and shot cleanly past keeper Rouse to put the Swans ahead on 6 minutes.
Rhodes must have had half a dozen shots at goal during the half – he’s clearly confident enough to carry the ball and make space inside for himself for sights on goal.
It wasn’t one-way, though. Rangers gave our left side of defence no end of problems, both right back Jerrell Tang and winger Kevin Wadman getting to the byline to get crosses over. After a few danger signs, De-Vulgt got on the end of another low Wadman cross to convert an equaliser with a simple tap-in from close range on 16 minutes.
Rouse spilled a corner soon afterwards, but Alex Godfrey couldn’t get a clear shot at goal. McKenna replied with a shot from distance that was deflected wide. Jack May made an excellent saving tackle to stop skipper Will Whitehead from shooting after we lost possession in midfield. We were looser than usual in possession, but holding up.
There was still time for Sol Baker to have a shot tipped wide and for Kaven Bloniarczyk to get booked on the stroke of half-time. Although the offence was on the other side of the pitch, he and De-Vulgt were enjoying quite a battle on the right hand side of the Swans defence.
An even 45 minutes – some of the changes worked, although we looked a little light in midfield and missed the balance of Dempsey Singer at the back. Kai Rhodes was always a threat on the left. Rio Hassan was a calming influence throughout, always making himself available for the ball and distributing precisely.
Subsequently learning that we won 3-1 with added second half goals from Alex Godfrey and Kaven Bloniacrzyk, I expect our substitutes will have contributed to a major difference between the sides after the interval.
Far too early to pass any meaningful judgement on young Declan De-Vulgt. From the limited evidence here, he’s got a nice touch and can look after himself. Good luck to him with Rangers.
Our U18s maintain our position at the top of the PDL2, with 13 points from 6 games. Charlton, who beat Cardiff yesterday 5-1, are level on points with a lower goal difference.