Match report

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Swansea City 2 - 3 Hull City

Report by Clive, Gareth and David Hughes - Pictures by Gary Martin

With everything that has happened over the last few years it was strange to be going to a match where for once the result was not so important, but the performance of the team was.

It’s only been seven days since Kenny Jackett took over as manager but so much has been written and spoken about the appointment, the vast majority positive, that today was the first glimpse of what the future may bring. May, is the important word as with so many players unavailable it was a very strange looking side that took the field.

With a near 1,000 travelling support, it was a disappointing crowd of just under 6,000 for a Bank Holiday game and the first home game under Kenny Jackett. Maybe it reflected the fact that the season was over, and that recent performances had been poor, although good support by those who turned up.

Our very inexperienced defence came under early pressure and looked very shaky to say the least. Hull, as their league position confirms, were well organised and took control from the off. Our defence was non-existent as attack after attack met with very little resistance. It did seem as if we fell behind in the first five minutes, but the goal was disallowed for offside. The defence including Roger were very hesitant, not surprising, as they had not played together before. What was also not surprising was that Hull got the goal their total dominance deserved. Alsopp cut in from the right and hit a cross shot going in at the far corner. Not really the start we wanted, but at this stage there were no complaints. Were the heads to drop? Well the answer is simple – No.

Whilst not creating any real clear-cut chances the team did battle and matched Hull for most of the first half. Connor won some flick-ons, but the partnership with Trundle was not working as they played away from each other. Trundle did try some close control, but the execution was too slow to worry the Hull defence. Robinson also had a shot but there was nothing to threaten the Hull goal. With half time approaching it did look as if there would be no change to the scoreline when a blocked shot fell to Robinson who shot (not one of his cleanest) which somehow beat the keeper just inside the post. So half time saw us drawing 1-1, maybe a fair reflection for the effort the team had put in.

One change at half time saw Maxwell replace Corbisierso, who had covered ground, but the game was passing him by. Maxwell added something to our link play, as we looked a better team in the second half. The tempo of the game had increased significantly from the first half with again things looking even. Our defence though let Burgess through and from outside the area tried to lob the ball over Roger, who could only push it up and into an unguarded net. Although Hull looked at this stage to be the stronger team, the lead was not deserved as the Swans were playing well. Would this be the kick in the teeth for the inexperienced team? Again the answer is No.

We actually upped the game as the Hull goal lived a charmed life. It was a battling performance from the team, and reward came on the 83rd minute. A bit of a scramble saw the ball finally drop to Trundle inside the six-yard box, planting the ball past a defender on the line and into the net. 2-2 a fair reflection on the game. It was an open game at this point, but within 5mins Hull were back in front. French timed his run beating the offside trap to send in a cross for Burgess to head his second goal of the game. A bit cruel but as stated the performance was more important than the result. We nearly snatched an equalizer when a Robinson shot went inches wide of the goal. One last corner saw Roger in attack, but a poor Martinez corner was cleared as the ref blew for time.

We can take some heart from the game, as it was a very workman like performance with periods of skill. 7 days will not be enough to turn things around, but the spirit shown, especially with a weakened team, does give some hope.

As for Hull, whilst not being the most skilful team we have played this season were strong and organized although their defence did panic on occasions. They should go on to achieve promotion but will need to strengthen in Division 2.

A few pointers.

Roger, whilst some blame can be given for the second goal, did pull off a couple of very good saves and again was dominating the area.

Rees and Rewbury both had good games. Rewbury showed good skill but needs to react quicker, which should come with more games.

If Rees signs we will then have along with Tate & Iriekpen and also Rewbury, young central defenders, but none being the dominant figure required. They will all learn and develop from an experienced partner.

Maxwell helped the balance of the team, but still does not give the presence we require in midfield, but could be an addition to the squad.

Fieldwick, did struggle at times, but it would be unfair to discard him whilst playing in such a young defence.

Connor & Trundle would both benefit from playing off a mobile target man. Trundle again overplayed the tricks today when other options were available.

The same can be said of Robinson, who was MoM but did tend to be greedy when better options were available.

Maylett did have a solid game, so it was a surprise to see him replaced by Roberts.

It’s too early to say if the performance was down to the new manager, as not much time has been available for training, but it was clear that more effort was put in today than of late. We do have the basis of a team that could bring success next season, but it is also evident, and has been for months, that the addition of 2 or 3 experienced players is needed.

So a good home start under the new regime, at least we didn’t come away embarrassed by the performance.

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