York
Fettis
Hocking
Smith
Hobson
Cooper
Potter
Richardson
Bullock
Brass
Nogan
Proctor

Three precious points are three precious points in anyone's book, and for Swans fans right now they are are more welcome sight than they have ever been, as some clear daylight begins to open up between us and the foot of the table. And it was achieved through a determined and battling effort from a clearly exhausted Swans side, which showed plenty of organisation, grit and camaraderie at Bootham Crescent tonight. But don't go thinking that this was a classic - far from it. In fact it was probably the worst game, in terms of quality, that we have witnessed this season. Both sides lacked any real pattern going forward, and at times the quality of passing and touch was dire. But we showed the better organisation, tactical awareness, and basic desire to win, and on the night, that was enough.

The Swans made just one change from the herioc Sunday night team, with Sharp replacing O'Leary (who was apparently attending the funeral of his friend who died at Port Talbot). Bound and Smith joined Sharp in defence, with the Evanses at wing back, Cusack, Coates and Lacey in midfield, and the big brothers (Williams and Sidibe) up front. About 60 - 70 Swans fans who had braved the trip, welcomed the team on to the field, and continued to be the more vocal members of a lamentable1800 crowd, which barely stirred in the home stands.

The early exchanges set the tone for the game - both sides struggled to find any real cohesion, York had more of the ball, but the Swans looked marginally more dangerous,. A header from Smith and another from Coates failed to provide any real threat, whilst the spritely Lee Nogan had one dangerous shot across goal for the home side. We began to take some control after about 10 minutes, mainly through the dangerous and energetic running of Williams, who struck one particularly fierece ball across the six yard, with Sidibe just unable to connect. A couple of minutes later he popped up on the other wing, and struck a beautiful cross field ball to Coates, who controlled it superbly before being foiled by the keeper from a very tight angle. But it was all a bit frustrating as the front men failed to really gel together, and too often seemed to be on a solo mission.

This was our best spell of play in the half, but it was quickly followed by our worst - a 10 minute spell in which York seemed to pick up every loose ball in midfield, and where we ended up flailing in tackles and chasing shadows. When our first goal came on 26 minutes, it was against the run of play. A York defender tried to shpeherd a long ball over the goal line for a goal-kick, but he reckoned without the long leggy reach of Williams, who brilliantly hooked the ball back to Lacey, who struck home from 15 yards - a neat finish which sent the Swans contingent (including the travelling Cyril) wild.

This led to a lively end to end spell in the match - York's Richard Cooper shot over, and Williams had a good shot well saved by Fettis - the parry almost falling to Sidibe. Chris Brass flicked a neat effort wide at the near post, and the Swans responded with a high cross which almost caught out Fettis in the York goal - the keeper having to palm it over having misjudged the bounce. The consensus at half time was that if we could get the ball on the floor and start to dominate the midfield, we could win at a canter.

However, our performance in the first 20 minutes of the second half was, in all departments other than the back five, pretty poor. York dominated the early possession, and almost stole an equaliser through an excellent Graham Potter free kick, which was well saved by Roger, diving to his left. But during this spell of pressure, York actually created very little, as our back five kept its shape well and held firm. It wasn't until the 66th minute that we awoke as an attacking force, with an excellent Terry Evans cross almost finding his namesake at the far post. From the resulting corner, Smith headed firmly towards goal, but it was cleared away - what are the odds on a Smith headed goal on Friday night?!

A couple of minutes later a good York attack set up Kieran Darlow for what seemed a clear strike on goal - but just as he was about to pull the trigger (or should that be "cock" the trigger!) in came Smudger with one of his trademark saving tackles - Oh, how we have missed that! By this stage Atkinson had made some changes to try to re-enervate his flagging charges. Phillips replaced Coates to stiffen the midfield, and Steve Brodie came on for the exhausted Williams. In fact, Brodie impressed - he showed some neat touches, and some sensible running, and he even popped up with the assist for the goal that clinched it for us. On 76 minutes, just after York had forced Roger into a smart save, Brodie flicked the ball on to Sidibe, who used his body strength to shake off his marker, stride through on goal, and tuck the ball calmly past Fettis for the clincher. A neatly taken goal by a man maturing into a deadly marksman.

This killed off the York challenge, though they produced a couple of decent late efforts, including a shot into the side netting from Proctor, which really should have got them back into the game. Our celebrations were marred by the sending off of Lacey, which appeared to be for a 50:50 challenge (though this was one ref that seemed to base his decisions on the vehemence of the home crowd's reaction); maybe an appeal to the FAW will bring some joy. The final whistle brought plenty of celebrations from the Swans players, management and fans - a great result, achieved through strength of will and good defensive resolve...and there's nothing wrong with that!

Freestone - 8 Marshalled the defence well and made one excellent save
T Evans - 8 A really tenacious performance in defence, with some great forward runs and crosses.
Sharp - 7 Didn't let us down
Smith - 8 Headed everything, and made one fine saving tackle
Bound - 7 back to his rock-like self, with Smudger alongside
S Evans - 7 Also played well in defence and going forward (can we get him long term?)
Coates - 6 Not so effective today all round, but some neat touches early on
Cusack - 6 Supported the defence well
Lacey - 6 Didn't really bite in midfield despite his well taken goal
Williams - 7 Earned his corn first half, but faded badly
Sidibe - 8 Ran his heart out and delivered the goods
Phillips - 7 competent and aggressive
Brodie - 7 Intelligent and penetrative; could be a real asset when he settles in

In a somewhat jaded all round performance, there were some real positives: - Great defensive organisation - Great team spirit and resolve - Good commitment given that they only played 48 hours ago - Three points!!!

We'll be down the pub on Friday night, waiting for text messages from the Vetch. For those of you that can be there - enjoy it, and let's roar them on to another three points!

a battling performance at bootham crescent saw the swans take the spoils.

Colin Addison made one change from the line up that defeated QPR with Neil sharpe coming in for O'Leary to retain the 5-3-2 formation.

York started brightly with nogan,bullock and proctor all proving a handful with their pace and off the ball running but the defence stood firm with bound leading the back line. as the game progressed the swans started to dominating the game of contrasting styles with York happy to go route one,the swans started to create chances with smith and coates and all going close but the deadlock was finally broken when Lacey capitalised on a York defensive error to bury the ball in the far left corner of fettis's net which sent the 100 or so jacks plus Cyril who took his place on the away terracing into jubilation and went into the interval with a deserved lead.

the second half the minstermen started the half the better side with good approach play but the final ball was poor and with the swans defending very deep they couldn't get a foothold in midfield.the game settled down and with cusack playing a captain's role led from the front and the balance of the game shifted with swans using the channels to get Williams and sidebe away with this the York faithful started calling for the managers head with "Dolan out" chants echoing around the ground.

the effects of Sunday's game were taking its toll on williams and sidibe as they both struggled to get into the game with this Addison makes a double substitution with brodie and Philips replacing William's and coates and the swans reaped the rewards straightaway with brodie flicking on a long ball to set sidibe free who slotted past fettis for i think was our only attempt at goal in the second half. Lacey was very unlucky with his sending off with yet another very poor ref who constantly made bad calls for the whole game but the swans kept possession for the last 15 minutes to frustrate the home side.

a good three points and worth the 4 hour drive back to South London.

Buoyant Swansea secured their third successive victory in front of York's lowest crowd of the season, running out comfortable 2-0 winners at Bootham Crescent.

The Swans, who accounted for QPR in the FA Cup first round on Sunday, notched a goal in each half, going ahead after 27 minutes courtesy of a blunder in the York defence. Central defender Matt Hocking tried to run the ball out for a goal-kick but former Minsterman John Williams stole in and crossed for Damien Lacey to rifle home his first goal of the season.

However, midfielder Lacey had a mixed evening as he was sent off three minutes from time for shoving York skipper Chris Brass to the floor.

After the break, Swansea continued to look livelier and in-form French striker Mamady Sidibe wrapped up the points seconds after York had missed a good chance to equalise. The hosts' on-loan front-man Michael Procter accepted a neat pass from Lee Nogan but struck the ball too close to goalkeeper Roger Freestone.

From the resulting clearance, after 74 minutes, Sidibe collected a long ball and clipped it past goalkeeper Alan Fettis for his fourth goal in three games.

Dire City...back in the old routine !

By Stephen Gartside
Date: 21/11/2001

York City produced a performance that was so abject in status, its level being several ranks below mediocrity, that to call this a game of professional football, would be stretching the imagination. They started badly and rapidly deteriorated, and were easily beaten by a decidely average Swans side.

York City (0) 0 Swansea City (1) 2

Make no mistake this was City at their absolute worst and many more performances like this will send them hurtling into another relegation dogfight. For that is what they suddenly look like, a team destined to try and scrap their way clear of the dreaded Conference trapdoor.

In a display akin to those dark days of the 'Thompson era', they were outfought and outplayed by a side, who though limited in ability, showed that this game at least meant something to them. To the hapless home players it clearly did not.

Those early season days of controlled passing football from the Minstermen, have now disappeared and we are back to the total hit and hope tactics, all to familiarly seen on this ground.

Manager Terry Dolan persisted with the wing back system, a formation that had been tried unsuccessfully on numerous occasions, as a result we were left with eleven individuals who looked not only as if they had never previously met, but also devoid of any ideas, passion, flair and finesse.

Nobody came out of this game with any credit, even keeper Alan Fettis looked hesitant and his kicking was nothing short of woeful.

Under the set up employed by the City boss, it means that both Smith and Hobson, as the right and left centre backs respectively, are forced out wide on the flanks, to initiate the first stages of the attack. Neither of these players have the required skill or vision to perform this, so unlike when you have an Edmondson or Potter, who can actually carry the ball forward at distance, the first ball is a long, high, leathered thump from deep.

This results in the opponents central defenders easily beating the lightweight City front players in the air, the loose ball then being collected by their midfield players and once again City are on the back foot.

In the middle of the back three Matt Hocking appied the same mode of attack and though able to use his pace to great advantage, was again largely responsible for another two goals conceded.

The midfield was once more anonymous. Skipper Chris Brass has been a major disappointment this term and this was again a match where he flailed about desperately, but was unable to show any ability to control the play and absolutely no creative threat.

Richard Cooper proved once and for all that whilst willing and honest, he simply lacks the required quality for the role he is given. Lee Bullock, although looking more composed in possession these days, was conspicuous by his absence and the same could be said for Nick Richardson and a jaded looking Graham Potter.

In attack Michael Proctor forayed hard and looked the only player liable to create, whilst the alarming slump in the form of Lee Nogan continued and he looks a shadow of the player he was of six weeks ago.

From the outset of the game, in front of a season low crowd of a paltry 1,840, it was clear yet again that City would have to go behind before they might wake up.

Swansea took the early possession and so therefore, the early iniative and soon forced the home side back into their usual tactics of defending too deep.

On six minutes the Minstermen tried to respond and Richardson played a good through ball to Proctor. He set up strike partner Nogan, who pulled his shot just wide of the right hand post.

An error by Hobson, when he appeared to tread on the ball, then sent ex City forward John Williams charging away down the right, but he tamely shot across the face of the goal.

On 26 minutes the visitors took the lead as Hocking attempted to shepherd the ball over the dead ball line on the left side of the area. Williams instantly challenged, hooked his right foot around the ball and pulled it back for Damian Lacey, who comfortably shot home inside Fettis' right hand post from 18 yards.

Williams then easily outpaced Smith, but Fettis managed to claw the ball away before Williams again threatened with a cross, Fettis hesitating, before managing to flick the ball over the bar at the last second.

On half time, Brass was pushed out on the left, although well outside the penalty area. Richardson played the resulting free kick to Bullock, who scooped over the bar.

Two minutes into the second half and Nogan was crudely shoved of the ball, Potter's 25 yard free kick was accurate, but Freestone dived to his left across goal to comfortably palm the shot behind.

This lifted the City supporters and the fans in the Shippo started to bravely get behind their team, in an attempt to lift the performance and the general surrounding gloom and ineptitude.

On 56 minutes Edmondson replaced Richardson, Cooper shunting across onto the left side of the central midfield three.

The City substitute was soon in the action with a trademark run and cross a minute later, after being set up by Bullock, but his his effort was forced away for a corner.

On 62 minutes the Swans made a double substitution with Steve Brodie coming on to chants of "Scarborough reject" from the Shippo. He replaced John Williams, who was warmly applauded by the York fans, and the ex City favourite responded likewise. Gareth Phillips also came on for Jonathan Coates.

Manager Dolan threw on teenage winger Kieran Darlow on 67 minutes in place of defender Chris Smith. City reverted to the 442 system, clearly favoured by the players, Potter dropping back into the left back role, and suddenly the side looked more settled and visibly lifted, they tried to attack with purpose.

Proctor set up Bullock, centrally placed and just outside the area, but he shot over the bar.

A surging run was made on the left by Darlow, who cut inside and fed Proctor, but his attempt at a cross-cum-shot was easily gathered by Freestone.

After 72 minutes a superb inside pass was made by Nogan to Proctor, but again the rising shot was saved.

From the resulting clearance Swansea sealed the game a minute later, as with the City defence claiming offside, Mamady Sidibe broke away, easily shrugged off a feeble challenge by Hocking and slid the ball home.

Mark Maley replaced Hobson, who had earlier gone down injured, Edmondson moving into the centre back role with the Sunderland loan player taking over at right back.

The crowd were now clearly impatient and there followed the usual choruses of "Dolan out."

The Minstermen tried to respond and five minutes from time Edmondson, as positive and direct as ever, fed Bullock and he cleverly threaded a pass into the path of Proctor inside the area and to the right of goal. However he shot tamely into the side netting, when he should have at least got the effort on target and forced the save.

Two minutes later and Swansea had goalscorer Lacey sent off for appearing to strike City skipper Chris Brass in the face.

But it made no difference, the game had been easily won by the welsh side, who deservedly collected a well earned three points, to continue their recent improvement in form.

On a final note, whilst Brass was receiving treatment following the sending off, the tannoy announcer decided to update the fans with the latest scores concerning Manchester United and Liverpool in the Champions League. Bearing in mind that this was done whilst our game was still in progress, that was an act that this reporter takes great exception to. It merely trivialises the events taking place on the field of play and is a slur and insult to both sets of players. I can't believe that the majority of fans that turned out at Bootham Crescent are that interested in such games and clearly the ones that were, stayed at home anyway!

Such levels of football are light stratospheres away from the dross we had been served up tonight. But City are our club, they are our choice, our passion, so no more acts of this nature please!

York City: Fettis, Smith (Darlow 67), Hocking, Hobson (Maley 79), Cooper, Brass, Bullock, Richardson (Edmondson 56), Potter, Nogan, Proctor

subs unused: Collinson, Wood

Goals: none

Booked: Bullock (90)

Goal attempts 7, on target 3, off target 4, hit woodwork 0, corners 6, fouls 10, offside 7

Swansea City: Freestone, Sharp (Todd 79), Cusack, T. Evans, Smith, Lacey, Bound, Coates (Phillips 62), S. Evans, Sidibe, Williams (Brodie 62)

subs unused: Jones, Watkin

Goals: Lacey (26), Sidibe (73)

Booked: Todd (90)

Sent off: Lacey (87)

Goal attempts 7, on target 4, off target 3, hit woodwork 0, corners 4, fouls 17, offside 5

Ref: A.R Leake (Darwen)

Att: 1,840