Match report

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Swansea 1-1 Rochdale

Report by Nigel Gigg

After the excitement of last Friday's encounter against table-topping Doncaster, its back to more mundane affairs tonight, with the visit of lowly Rochdale. But three points are available and surely they're for the taking.

Whereas Doncaster bought hundreds of fans to help create a great atmosphere, all of 30 must have made the journey from Rochdale on a cold, clear night.

After playing just Kevin Nugent up-front on Friday would tonight be the night that Brian Flynn broke the mould and tried something different to the lopsided approach we predictably play week-in-week-out. Now with two natural wingmen who can actually run, in Brad Maylett and Stuart Roberts, we have the opportunity to take down both flanks.

Pre-match talk was of Karl Connolly, Lenny Johnrose and Shaun Byrne returning to fitness, and possibly even Lee Trundle making the bench. As it turned out all took their seats in the stand. Some of the injuries get more and more frustrating. Karl Connolly had what was described as 'a slight knock' that kept him out of the Tranmere match three-and-a-half weeks ago, and Lenny Johnrose's hamstring was predicted to keep him out for three weeks. I don't need to go on. Suffice to say we have more than our far share of injuries. Something is wrong in either the treatment of those injuries, fitness levels, or the attitudes of those players involved.

The announcement of the teams left many deflated: James Thomas replacing Kevin Nugent in attack. All thoughts of 'all-out attack' were abandoned once more for the new 4-5-1 formation, which as to date has not been the great success Brian Flynn obviously believes it has been.

Rochdale left Swans target Paul Connor at home with 'a shin injury' and included Llanelli born Swans fan, Neil Edwards, in goal.

Side:

At this stage Swans had not had a serious shot at goal, our central midfield were getting in each others way with Martinez, Britton and Robinson all trying to run things, and on the left Howard and Coates both seemed to have lost confidence again, and were back to the Howard and Coates of old.

Once again our tactics involved hitting high from central areas to James Thomas when he had no support or hitting speculative balls over the top in the hope of finding Stuart Roberts. Add to this an over-fussy referee and the portents were far from good.

On thirty-five minutes, Iriekpen was booked for diving needlessly in to a challenge two yards from the touchline. It can only be a matter of time before he serves a suspension now.

On thirty-seven minutes their keeper made his first save from a twenty yard shot from Andy Robinson. He didn't move an inch, and caught the ball at waist height. However, I would stress was his first 'save'.

At times, the tactics and lack of thought was unforgivable. For example, when Brian Murphy had the ball in his hands, and looking to pump the ball forward, only James Thomas was in the forward line. All five midfield players formed a line some 15/20 yards behind Thomas. If Thomas won the ball and flicked it one, belatedly one of the midfield quintet made a half-hearted effort to chase the following, only to see the ball cleared away. Thankfully the referee only added one minute of stoppage time before the end of an abject half, which was on a par with the second half display at Kidderminster.

The one player who earned his half-time cup of tea was Alan Tate.

For the start of the second half Stuart Jones replaced Kris O'Leary, and Brad Maylett replaced Jonathan Coates. Rumours were that Brian Flynn had organised a tombola to decide who was to come off with O'Leary and Coates the first names out.

Stuart Roberts joined James Thomas in the front line for the start of the second half with what looked a far more natural formation.

Within two minutes of the restart, however, Brian Murphy was forced into a save from a Townson volley. On forty-nine minutes, Brian Murphy once again saved our blushes diving to his right to tip a shot around the post.

The first real action from the Swans didn't come until fifty-three minutes when Martinez fed Stuart Roberts and his shot was well saved by Edwards.

On the hour, Brian Murphy again came to the rescue saving with his feet after the defence stood like statues at a corner.

Thomas limped off to be replaced by Mark Pritchard.

Rochdale now adopted Swans system of one up-front but in fairness they were 1-0 and away from home. Maylett had an opportunity but chose to cross instead of shoot. Mark Pritchard had a weak effort saved and Stuart Roberts fired over a couple of times.

The quality was still poor but at least we were trying now.

On seventy-seven minutes, Leon Britton was brought down 10 yards outside the box. Bertos was booked for dissent and the free-kick moved 10 yards forward. Andy Robinson's free-kick hit the wall, and Rochdale twice failed to clear. The ball fell to Brad Maylett who thundered the ball home from 10 yards out.

A minute later Brad Maylett had a golden chance to put the Swans ahead when through on the keeper but this he hit a soft shot in the keepers legs.

The referee added four minutes of injury time but Swans never really looked like scoring again. Rochdale settled for the point they no doubt came for, but will kick themselves they didn't take all three against a very poor Swans display.

After the performance against Kidderminster I really hoped we'd not see another dreadful performance again. Brian Flynn must take responsibility for his formation, and his inability to change things during the game. Roberto Martinez failed to lift players on the pitch and the players with the exception of one or two have once more let themselves and the club down.

Murphy - 6 - A few good saves but lack of confidence especially at crosses.
Howard - 3 - The curse of our left-backs falling asleep during the game continues. At times his ball control was woeful.
O'Leary - 5 - Didn't look comfortable at right-back.
Tate - 7 - Excellent first half, probably the only player to come out of the game with any pride.
Izzy - 5 - Needs to curb his tendency to dive into tackles.

Roberts - 6 - Plenty of efforts but not really the cutting edge he showed last Friday.
Britton - 5 - Covered a lot of ground, but to little effect.
Martinez - 4 - A very poor game but of more concern was his apparent lack of ability to lift those around him.
Robinson - 5 - As with Britton, covered a lot of ground, but to little effect. Why Flynn didn't push him up alongside Thomas is the first half is amazing.
Coates - 3 - After this best run since he returned to the game, had a torrid time this evening.

Thomas - 5 - Won his share of balls in the air, but no support whatsoever; poor on the ground.

Subs:
S. Jones - 6 - Did well under difficult circumstances.
Maylett - 6 - Took his goal well, but really should of scored a second when through on goal.
Pritchard – 5 – A couple of decent touches, but never looked like turning the game.

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