Macclesfield
Wilson
Hitchen
Tinson
Ridler
Adams
Keen
Priest
Byrne
Tracey
Glover
Lambert

With all the injuries and suspensions today’s line up was Freestone, Steve Evans and Howard as wing backs, a central line of Terry Evans Todd & Bound, midfield of Cusack, Coates & Brodie, and the front pairing of Williams & Sidibe. A support of approx 250.

The first half was instantly forgettable with neither side making their mark on the game. There were a handful of quarter chances to Macclesfield but inept finishing never really threatened the Swansea goal. There was a little scuffle and words exchanged by Steve Evans and a Macc player, which continued after a couple of whistles from the ref. This put both players under the spotlight and before long not surprisingly resulted in both being booked for other challenges. The Swans showed no urgency and at every opportunity took the option of wasting time, clearly content in playing for a 0-0 and a replay.

The second half saw the introduction of Phillips and Romo replacing Brodie and Todd. Phillips can be understood, as we were offering nothing in midfield, but Romo has seen no action for weeks and has never been considered a battler. We continued to sit back and allow Macc to build up their play, content in the knowledge that up to now they had threatened very little. On the hour mark came a very rude awakening when the defence was torn apart in quick succession and we found ourselves 3-0 down and the game gone. Not much later further insult was inflicted when they got a fourth. By now 16-year-old Duffy had replaces Howard, allowing

Steve Evans to revert to left back and Duffy playing at right back. What a baptism for a 16 year old, but after a nervous start did show his seniors some good positional play. After further attacking flurries from Macc which should have resulted in a larger score line they sat back allowing us a consolation goal bundled in by Cusack. This was met with near total silence apart from a few ironic cheers.

In our Mansfield report we stated that the players never reached 75% today it was even lower. Whether the off field events are taking their toll, we can’t say, but can only give our own opinion on today’s performance.

Apart from Rog in goal who gave a solid performance, but was left totally unprotected for the goals, no player can take anything from the game. Sidibe & Williams did put some effort in attack but not as a partnership and were easily contained by the Macc defence. Bound plays better when some of the responsibility is shared with Smith, today he struggled and then to lose his partner, Todd, at half-time saw him flounder for most of the second half. No outfield player wanted the ball and no one took responsibility for the team. Again, as at Mansfield we gave the ball away too easily and showed no urgency in winning it back.

Today was meant to be all about the magic of the cup. The third round beckoned and maybe a game at the theatre of dreams, we are now left only in the theatre of nightmares.

We again picked up further unnecessary bookings, not due to a full-bloodied cup-tie but due to frustration and un-professionalism.

This report might seem totally negative, but in all honesty we are being polite, as many shouts aimed at the team were in the vain of ‘no pride in the shirt’ and ‘overpaid primadonna’s (sp) ‘ this is without the many many expletives aimed at the players. We really are worried for the rest of the season as moral is at an all time low and the team is playing as individuals and the only pattern of play seems to be back in the Hollins era of sit back and hope to hit on the counterattack.

Before the game, Mike Lewis and about five others walked past us as we made our way to the ground. He was heading in the direction of a pub, which had a few Swans fans drinking outside. We wonder what sort of reception he had.

So to end with the highlight of what has been a non-eventful day. Without a doubt it has to go to a certain Mr Richard Lillicrap who must have had a great thirst, as he brought traffic to a standstill near the ground while performing a three-point turn.

From first whistle to last, this was quite simply a horror show. The performance was truly awful. The Swansea players should be as ashamed, angry and embarrassed as the travelling Swans if they care at all for the shirt they pull on. In almost thirty years since my father first took me on the North Bank this was one of the most abysmal, gutless and shambolic performances I have ever had the misfortune to witness. We were embarrassed from start to finish by a team that we had taken apart little more than three months previously. There was little spirit or pride in evidence, and had to contend with laughter from the Macclesfield supporters as I returned to my car.

The players came out looking lethargic and this continued for 90 minutes. They never got into the game and even made Conference material Macclesfield look good. This was even worse than any of the Hollins performances. After last month when I really did think we had turned the corner and those games were a thing of the past. We were absolutely dire.

I'm sorry if this is going to offend, but as I said in my report from the Torquay game, this is now Addison and Nicholas' team. They must now stand up and accept, along with the players, their fair share of the blame. Their team selection, tactics, motivational skills and substitutions must all be brought into question, they were baffling in the extreme.

And I admit it was me who was 'dicussing' those sentiments rather verbally with our Assistant Manager as he stood Hollins like in front of the dug out apparently clueless as to what to do. He should have accepted my invitation to discuss face to face with those standing on the terraces. Many had travelled a very long way, pats on the back to the boys from Cardigan, Havorfordwest and Carmarthen, and many will not be returning for a very very long time, if at all.

A first half midfield of Brodie, Cusack and Coates created absolutely nothing. What has Gareth Phillips done to offend, a promising start to the season and his tenacity is so obviously missed. Twinkle toes Coates and Brodie have hardly been pulling up any trees in his absence. Cusack I exempt from critiscm primarily for us effortsin leading the revolution.

After the first half when we created absolutely NOTHING it was a huge relief and surprise to go in all square. They came out for the second hald and to our surprise one DAvid Romo appeared and they simply disappeared. He was dreadful and should never be allowed to wear the shirt again. The only reason I can think of for including him was to put him in the shop window, well if thats the case no-one is going to be remotedly interested. Dreadful. Can't pass, can't / won't tackle, can't shoot, is slow and totally uninterested. If you don't wish to wear the shirt, give it to somebody who does.

After an hour of living on the edge, Macclesfield had been missing chance after chance, the world fell in, four goals in eight minutes and we were blown away. But it was no more than the team and management deserved. Many then voted with their feet and left, hoping it would make a point. Personally I felt by staying it would cause more embarrass meant but each to their own. It wasn't long before chants of 'What a Load of Rubbish', 'We're Shite and We're Sick of It' and 'You're not fit to wear the shirt' echoed around Moss Lane. When Cusack Bundled in the consoliation it was greeted by little more than a murmur from those remaining. Many questioned whether the players actually deserved getting paid, might be a way of Petty saving some cash.

What must Steve Watkin think, two nil down and we bring on a 16 year old debutee, why ? ALthough he looked an excellent prospect this horror show was an X certificate, no place for a young boy not old enough to vote, buy a beer or watch an adult movie.

Take no comfort that we are out of the FA Cup and able to concentrate on the league. We are staring into the abyss that is the Conference. There were no star performances this week, and the hope following the wins against Torquay and Hartlepool has quickly dissipated. There is little to look forward to. Personally, Ive seen many ups and far too many downs but for the first time I'm beginning to wonder if its all worth while.