Match report

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Swansea City 4 Mansfield 1

Andy Robinson was given the holding role in central midfield, a far cry from the striking role for which he was offered his contract. This speaks volumes for his effort and commitment in recent weeks.

To the surprise of nobody who was at Oxford, Roger reclaimed the goalkeepers shirt.

Swansea: Freestone, Jenkins, O'Leary, Jones, Iriekpen, Britton, Hylton, Durkan, Robinson, Nugent, Trundle. Subs: Howard, Thomas, Duffy, Murphy, Corbisierso.

Mansfield came to the Vetch full of confidence after scoring 5 against Scunthorpe last week and they looked a good footballing side from the off . The opening exchanges were rather tame with Durkan being at the centre of most of Swansea's early moves.

On 5 minutes a Swansea corner came to nothing but an innocuous incident was to have a major impact on the game within 2 minutes.

The ball from the corner had gone for a goalkick and as Izzy Iriekpen turned to leave the box he appeared to collide accidentally with Mansfield striker Iyseden Christie, who rose to his feet holding his head and I swear smoke coming from his ears!

Within 2 minutes Iriekpen was left in a heap holding his hand following an off the ball incident involving Christie. After a short consultation with his assistant the referee showed Christie the red card.

The Mansfield players were acting at this stage like spoilt children, questioning every decision. Swansea did not have a good record against teams down to 10 men last year, but surely today would be different.

Our prayers appeared to be answered on 14 minutes when after a dreadful challenge on Leon Britton by Wiilamson, Roger's freekick from his own half found the head of Nugent whose flick fell perfectly for Trundle. He played a beautiful through ball to Kieron Durkan who buried his chance from 15 yards with a well taken first time shot.

The goal appeared to be the signal for Swansea to take their foot off the accelerator and Mansfield soon began to win the midfield battle although there was little threat to the Swansea goal. Indeed, Mansfield only managed their first shot on goal after 25 minutes when a tame from 25 yards rolled through to Roger.

After receiving a cut to his head Stuart Jones was replaced by Richard Duffy.

As the half was drawing to a close Mansfield seemed to be getting stronger and stronger and it was no surprise on 45 minutes when Tony Vaughan (ex Cardiff) hit an unstoppable shot from 18 yards after Swans had failed to clear their lines.

Our first half performance had been poor considering the early goal and with us being up against 10 men. Surely Brian Flynn would demand more effort in the second half.

Swansea, indeed did look far more urgent at the start of the second half and Mansfield looked more content to sit back at let Swansea attack them. On 54 minutes Williamson bought down Leon for what must have been the 5th time and fully deserved his booking. Andy Robinson stepped up for the freekick and hit it Beckhamesque over the wall into the top corner. He thoroughly deserved the North Bank's plaudits.

By now Mansfield appeared to be tiring and Swansea had control of the game. Leon was starting to create chances and Andy Robinson was tigerish and winning most of the midfield challenges.

On 67 minutes Nugent played a delightful through ball to Trundle who rounded on the keeper and although not at the perfect angle would have been favourite to score before his legs were taken away by Vaughan. He was lucky to only receive the yellow card but justice was done when Trundle scored the penalty.

Swans were now rampant and every attack looked as if it could result in a goal. When the fourth did arrive on 70 minutes it was probably more farcical than the ridiculous 2nd and 3rd we conceded at Oxford. A through ball down the left flank was bravely chased by Trundle with the keeper the obvious winner to the ball by 10 yards or so. Just as we were taking cover on the North Bank expecting the ball to be belted toward us, the keeper decides to kick the ball at Trundle instead. The ball ballooned off Trundle into the penalty area where it fell at the feet of Nugent who controlled the ball well and tapped the ball into an empty net.

Within a few minutes the game had it most explosive moments . Leon Britton began one of his mazey runs and was sandwiched by 2 Mansfield players, with Williamson appearing to be the major offender.
As Leon was trying to get to his feet Williamson lashed out with his feet appearing to kick Leon in the stomach. After a melee involving most of both sides the referee showed Williamson a straight red card to add to his yellow.

Swansea took the opportunity to bring on Antonio Corbisiero for the last 15 minutes and really showed have scored a few more against what was a disintegrating side whose discipline had totally left them.

Another 3 points, 4 more goals and top of the table. Being a Swans fan isn't bad at the moment!

• Freestone 9 – Although he didn't have too much to do today he was faultless and seemed to make a big difference.
  
• Jones 7 – Did well until his substitution.
• O'Leary 7 – Much more assured than recently. Helped with them having a striker sent off after only 7 minutes.
• Iriekpen 7 – Again, more assured than last week. Won most aerial challenges.
• Hylton 7 – Didn't get forward enough but defended quite well.
  
• Jenkins 7 – Looks more comfortable at right back, but was solid.
• Britton 8 – Quiet first half but a constant threat second half and the target of some disgraceful challenges.
• Robinson 9 – Outstanding again and playing out of position!
• Durkan 7 – Some great work but still needs to get more involved.
• Trundle 8 – Wound up defenders all day.
• Nugent 8 – Gift of a goal was his reward for another hardworking display.
  Subs –
• Duffy 8 – Excellent game. Solid as a rock and got forward at every opportunity.
• Corbisiero 7 – Did ok for his first 15 minutes of League football.
• Thomas 7 – Only on a few minutes and nearly got a goal from a header.

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