TLG Stat-Pack – Swansea City form

Friday 8th October 2004 - Coca-Cola League Two

Swansea City 1 Mansfield Town 0

Adrian Forbes grabbed a late winner

Goal: Forbes 89

Booked: Nugent 69, Gueret 71, Forbes 90

Sent Off: none

Attendance: 8868

Match Report (from www.swanseacity-mad.co.uk):

“Late Forbes Winner Moves Swans Top

A goal two minutes from time by Adrian Forbes clinched victory for the Swans as they moved to the top of the League Two table.

It was an end-to-end match as both sides searched for the victory but the Swans fully deserved their success.

Gary Monk was missing from the home side's starting line-up after being knocked unconscious in the 1-1 draw at Chester last Saturday so Alan Tate came in for a rare start under Kenny Jackett.

Neil Mackenzie took the place of the suspended Adam Murray for the Stags.

The visitors were first on the attack and after only 80 seconds Colin Larkin lifted a close-range shot over the bar and when the ball was cleared to the other end Lee Trundle forced Town keeper Kevin Pilkington to push his shot behind for a corner.

Both goals had narrow escapes in a hectic opening with Pilkington only grabbing the ball at the second attempt with Andy Robinson waiting to pounce and then Larkin beat Andy Gurney down the left but his angled shot was safely gathered by Willy Gueret in the home goal.

In the 15th minute Robinson set up Sam Ricketts with a neat back-heel but the full-back's shot was deflected behind by Dave Artell as it seemed destined for the far corner.

Five minutes before the break Robinson shot wide from a good position and then Paul Connor clipped a shot past Pilkington but Craig Woodman raced back to hack it away from under the crossbar.

It was "as you were" when the second half started with a Brad Maylett shot hitting the crossbar in the 48th minute with Pilkington beaten.

Midway through the half a rare Mansfield breakaway saw Larkin beat the offside trap but as he tried to curl his shot round Gueret, the Frenchman stretched out an arm to save.

Swansea used all their substitutes as they kept working hard for the victory. With time ticking away they got the breakthrough their performance deserved when Forbes was waiting unmarked at the far post to head a centre from Leon Britton across Pilkington and into the corner of the net.

There were a couple of chances to double the score in a frantic finale but Forbes' effort proved to be enough.”

Saturday 2nd October 2004 – Coca-Cola League Two

Chester City 1 Swansea City 1

Lee Trundle's penalty secured a point

Goal: Trundle 55 (pen)

Booked: Robinson 27

Sent Off: none

Attendance: 3847

Match Report (from www.swanseacity-mad.co.uk):

“Trundle Penalty Gains Hard-Earned Point

Swansea moved up to second in League Two, after claiming a hard-fought point against Ian Rush's on-form Chester courtesy of a second-half penalty from Lee Trundle. After a disastrous opening 45 minutes which saw Chester dominate and take a 1-0 lead, Swansea were much improved after the break and grabbed an equaliser when Kevin McIntyre was adjudged to have handled a Brad Maylett cross.

Swansea strikers Lee Trundle and Paul Connor both passed late fitness tests, replacing Brad Maylett and Scott Fitzgerald, while the injured Andy Gurney moved out for Alan Tate.

Chester took the lead on 19 minutes as Kevin Rapley chased onto a knock on to fire a left-footed effort into the far corner. The goal was no more than the home side deserved having put the visitors under early pressure, and within a minute of scoring, they thought they had doubled their lead, but Stewart Drummond was adjudged to be standing in an offside position.

The long throws of Cortez Belle were causing Swansea numerous problems, and nine minutes from the break one of the striker's throws fell to Rapley whose shot on the turn flew narrowly past the post.

Such was Chester's dominance, it took the Swans until a minute before the interval to get in their first shot as Adrian Forbes was afforded time and space to progress to the edge of the Chester box, only to shot wide.

The restart saw an inevitable improvement from the visitors and, on 55 minutes, they were level after being awarded the penalty with the ball seeming to strike McIntyre on the arm at close range.

An injury, which saw Gary Monk stretched of the field after a collision with Bell, forced Swansea into a change as Leon Britton was thrown into the fray just after the hour mark with O'Leary moved to centre-back.

Bell left the field soon after to be replaced by Michael Branch. The Chester striker shot wide on 72 minutes after being fed by Rapley while at the other end Trundle struck a left-footed effort just over the bar.

Ten minutes from time an excellent chance went begging as Rapley played in Branch and the striker took the ball on himself, only to screw his shot wide with just the keeper to beat. Swansea also had late chances through Trundle and Robinson and felt that they should have had a penalty after Maylett appeared to be chopped down in the Chester box...but the scoreline remained.

On reflection, Swansea showed their battling qualities against a strong, physical Chester side in a game that they probably would have lost last season. However, the Swans could not be bullied out of this game and will be happy with a credible point.

The only negative point was the loss of Garry Monk, who was stretchered off on the hour-mark and Swans supporters will be hoping that the ex-Southampton defender returns to action sooner, rather than later.”

Tues 28th September 2004 – LDV Vans Trophy First Round

Swansea City 2 Luton Town 0

Roberto Martinez has often been the main man in the Swans midfield

Goals: Nugent 90, Ricketts 90

Booked: none

Sent Off: none

Attendance: 3559

Match Report (from www.swanseacity-mad.co.uk):

“Late Nugent and Ricketts goals kill of 10-man Luton

Swansea grabbed two last gasp goals to see off a depleted looking Luton Town side and deservedly book their place in the next round of the LDV Vans Trophy. A first Swansea goal from Sam Ricketts followed Kevin Nugent's second goal in four days as the home side dominated this tie, perhaps mainly down to the 12th minute dismissal of Luton defender Leon Barnett.

Kenny Jackett made two changes from the side that beat Rushden 1-0 at the weekend, with Brad Maylett and new loan signing Scott Fitzgerald replacing the injured Trundle and Nugent. Newell virtually changed his whole side from their 2-1 weekend win over Peterborough, with star names Howard, McSheffrey, Vine and a host of others all rested.

Starting well, Swansea could have been two goals up within the first two minutes - with Fitzgerald and O'Leary both forcing early saves from Dino Seremet. After just ten minutes of the first half, the home side were awarded a huge advantage when Luton defender Leon Barnett was sent off. The referee had penalised the defender for a foul on Adrian Forbes just outside the Luton penalty area - sending Barnett off for the professional foul.

Despite seeing their opponents reduced to ten men, Swansea could not break down Luton in the first 45 minutes. Their best efforts came from Andy Robinson and Adrian Forbes, who both fired wide of the mark. Luton offered very little in attack, with one wide shot from Calvin Andrew just about all they could muster.

Thankfully, after a dull first half of LDV Vans football, the second half began much brighter, with Adrian Forbes blazing over the bar soon after the restart. Brad Maylett then saw his goal-bound effort saved before Calvin Andrew headed the ball over Willy Gueret's crossbar.

Swansea now began to take the initiative and just moments after Andy Gurney saw his goal-bound header blocked by a Luton defender, visiting goalkeeper Dino Seremet was forced to turn a fantastic 35 yard drive from Andy Robinson around the post.

The home side made their first change after roughly an hour, with Kevin Nugent replacing Scott Fitzgerald - it had been the striker's first start for some considerable time and he was beginning to tire. Swansea continued to push for the evasive opening goal but Luton goalkeeper Seremet was proving hard to beat and held a long range Andy Gurney drive with ease.

Just when the game looked like it was heading into extra time, Assistant Manager Kevin Nugent scored for the second time in four days as he fired home an Andy Robinson cross from within the six yard box. With only seconds of normal time remaining, Luton were dead and buried and the unlikely hero had produced the goods again.

But the fun wasn't over just yet, as moments after the restart, Sam Ricketts raced into the Luton box and curled the ball home from 15 yards. It was a thoroughly deserved 2-0 scoreline that eventually saw the Swans run out comfortable winners.

So Swansea's excellent defensive record continues against high-flying Luton Town. However, with a second-rate side named and playing with 10 men for 80 minutes of the match, Luton were heavily depleted and Swansea mustn't go over the top about this one. Nevertheless, six wins in seven matches speaks for itself and Swansea thoroughly deserved to win this one.”

Saturday 25th September 2004 – Coca-Cola League Two

Swansea City 1 Rushden & Diamonds 0

Ex-Southend trialist Leon Britton has taken his rare opportunities to shine

Goal: Nugent 36

Booked: Ricketts 56

Sent Off: none

Attendance: 7410

Match Report (from www.swanseacity-mad.co.uk):

“Nuge Goal Keeps Swans Rolling On

Kevin Nugent's 36th minute header kept Swansea's challenge at the top of the division well on course as Kenny Jackett's side beat Rushden & Diamonds.

Despite a spirited second-half fightback by the visitors, the Swans defence held firm and it is now only five goals conceded from their ten matches to date.

The home side took time to settle and all they had to show during the first 20 minutes was an early Lee Trundle shot that was safely gathered by Billy Turley.

Ten minutes before the break Trundle flipped a pass inside to veteran striker Nugent but Turley dived to his right to save at the foot of the post.

The Swans went ahead when a Trundle back-heel gave Adrian Forbes room to cross and Nugent nipped inside Phillip Gulliver to net his second of the season.

Swansea should have doubled their lead when just moments later, goalscorer Kevin Nugent squandered a fantastic one-on-one opportunity from the penalty spot - striking the ball straight at Turley's legs.

Jackett's side opened the second half looking for a quick second goal and Roberto Martinez fired in a crisp shot that had Turley diving to his left to push it away.

Former Swindon Town defender Andrew Gurney then tried an audacious 45-yard shot that had the overworked Turley scampering across his goal-line to tip over for an unproductive corner.

This sparked the Diamonds into action and for the first time they pushed the Swans defence back, but apart from a speculative effort by Bell they rarely troubled Gueret in the home goal.

A cross from Andrew Burgess forced Sam Ricketts to head behind for a corner and when the Swans failed to clear Gary Monk had to do the same as Rushden sensed they could snatch a point.

It almost came in the 70th minute when a goalmouth scramble ended with Alex Hay's close-range header flying high over the bar.

Gueret came to Swansea's rescue five minutes later when he stretched full-length to palm behind a firm header from Diamonds skipper Graham Allen.

Diamonds keeper Turley came up for a corner in the final minute and when the ball was cleared Trundle tried a lob from just inside the visitors half but the ball just cleared the crossbar.

The Swans pushed forward in the closing seconds but they were unable to snatch the second goal their overall display deserved. Some scary moments at times - but the meanest defence in the Coca Cola Leagues was not about to buckle.”

Saturday 18th September 2004 – Coca-Cola League Two

Wycombe Wanderers 0 Swansea City 1

Andy Gurney can fulfil a variety of roles

Goal: Robinson 14

Booked: Ricketts 66

Sent Off: none

Attendance: 5247

Match Report (from www.swanseacity-mad.co.uk):

“Robinson Goal Beats League Leaders On Own Turf

A first-half Andy Robinson toe-poke was enough to earn Swansea all three points away at league leaders Wycombe Wanderers. Despite their hosts being two points clear at the head of the table at the start of play, Swansea gave Wycombe little respect and deservedly battled their way to a hard earned victory.

With Lee Trundle injured (and appearing on Soccer AM), Swansea reverted to a 4-4-1-1 formation, with Andy Robinson playing just behind Paul Connor in attack. Jackett replaced the injured Trundle and Iriekpen with Leon Britton and Garry Monk respectively.

The visitors started brightly and dominated the first fifteen minutes with some slick passing and solid defending. Kris O'Leary forced a finger-tip save from Wycombe goalkeeper Frank Talia before Andy Robinson's goal after fifteen minutes. After Forbes was fouled about 30 yards from goal, Andy Gurney fired in a low drive that Talia failed to handle. Robinson fired home the rebound and sent the 800 or so away fans delirious.

Swansea then proceeded to sit back and allow the so-called "league leaders" to attack them, but stood strong under (at times) heavy pressure. Poor clearances were allowing Wycombe to virtually dominate the remainder of the first half, but Swansea remained cool in defence - allowing Wycombe only long-range efforts on target.

Just minutes before half-time, Andy Gurney danced free on the edge of the area and fired just wide of both the far post and the incoming Paul Connor. The Swans could have deemed themselves unlucky not to be two nil up, while their hosts would be receiving an almighty rollicking for a poor first half showing.

Swansea came out in the second half with the same intentions - to defend their lead at all costs and attempt to hit Wycombe on the break. Once again, Wycombe offered little threat in attack and Swansea almost doubled their lead on the hour mark when Kevin Austin was a whisker away from meeting an Andy Robinson corner.

With around half an hour to go, the hosts bought on Ian Stonebridge up front and the substitute should have done better with an immediate chance after Wycombe had broken through Swansea's back-line for the first time - firing wide from a decent position.

Swansea battled and remained solid at the back and, with the exception of one hectic moment when Andy Gurney headed a free-kick against his own bar, stayed composed at the back. As the clock wore down, Wycombe attempted to throw everything at their opponents, but Swansea held on and claimed three more crucial points.

Kenny Jackett will be ecstatic after this victory and the way in which his side defended throughout the 90 minutes. To travel away to the league leaders and have your goalkeeper completely untested is testament to the tactics and team spirit throughout the side. For Tony Adams...its back to the drawing board after an inept display at home.”

Summary – the Shrimpers vs. the Swans

(Last Five Matches)

Southend United

W2-1 (home; Boston United; League Two; Mark Gower, Wayne Gray)

L0-4 (away; Darlington; League Two)

D1-1 [W5-3 on pens] (away; Colchester United; LDV Vans Trophy; Tesfaye Bramble)

W1-0 (home; Kidderminster Harriers; League Two; Mark Gower)

W2-1 (away; Notts County; League Two, Adam Barrett 2)

(Won 3, Drawn 1, Lost 1, Scored 6, Conceded 7)

Swansea City

W1-0 (home; Mansfield Town; League Two; Adrian Forbes)

D1-1 (away; Chester City; League Two; Lee Trundle [pen])

W2-0 (home; Luton Town; LDV Vans Trophy; Kevin Nugent, Sam Ricketts)

W1-0 (home; Rushden & Diamonds; League Two; Kevin Nugent)

W1-0 (away; Wycombe Wanderers; League Two; Andy Robinson)

(Won 4, Drawn 1, Lost 0, Scored 6, Conceded 1)

Summary – the Shrimpers vs. the Swans

(Blues at home and City away)

Southend United home

W2-1 (League Two; Boston United; Mark Gower, Wayne Gray)

W1-0 (League Two; Kidderminster Harriers; Mark Gower)

L1-2 (League Two; Wycombe Wanderers; Mark Bentley)

W2-1 (League Two; Macclesfield Town; Adam Barrett 2)

D0-0 (League Two; Cambridge United)

(Won 3, Drawn 1, Lost 1, Scored 6, Conceded 4)

Swansea City away

D1-1 (League Two; Chester City; Lee Trundle [pen])

W1-0 (League Two; Wycombe Wanderers; Andy Robinson)

L0-1 (League Two; Yeovil Town)

W1-0 (League Two; Cambridge United; Lee Trundle)

L0-3 (Carling Cup; Queens Park Rangers)

(Won 2, Drawn 1, Lost 2, Scored 3, Conceded 5)