Swansea City 2 Stevenage 1Report by Nigel Gigg
After Stevenage manager's childlike build-up to the game they arrived at a cold Vetch Cup for this 2nd round tie. The potential prize for the winners of this game were huge and no surprise to see Swansea put out their strongest line, up with Kris O'Leary replacing Alan Tate who Alex Ferguson refused permission to play, no doubt keeping him in reserve for the later stages of the cup when he plans to play him in place of Rio Ferdinand, if and when he receives his ban. (No I don't believe it either!)
Freestone
Duffy O'Leary Iriekpen Howard
Durkan Britton Johnrose Robinson
Nugent Trundle
Subs: Williams – Jones – Coates – Martinez – Thomas
Swansea started brightly and Stevenage seemed slow to settle overhitting many passes and quickly allowing the Swans to take control of the midfield.
The first shot of the game, however, came from Steve Watson of Stevenage, who on four minutes fired well over from 20 yards.
Stevenage seemed to have two players capable of causing problems, namely Simon Wormill in midfield and Anthony Elding who came with a reputation of having a short fuse.
Lionel Perez who has provided the Vetch faithful with much entertainment in the past at the Vetch, was in goal.
Swans first real effort came in nine minutes with a great run and blustering drive just over the bar from Andy Robinson.
Both Robinson and Britton were supporting the attack well, and Duffy looked to get forward at every opportunity.
On twenty-two minutes, the Swans opened the scoring after a deep cross from Durkan was hit goalward by Robinson. His shot took a deflection onto the bar but the ball fell kindly to Kevin Nugent only four yards, and he hit the ball high into the net.
Swansea continued to have the better of things, but Lee Trundle was not having the best of days, and indeed managed to get two shots, on to the roof of the West Terrace.
Swansea did have one scarce before half time, when Anthony Elding was through on goal, but a last ditch challenge by Richard Duffy took the ball off his feet.
One up at half-time was probably a fair reflection and Swans just needed to keep their composure for the second half, and progress to round three of the cup.
Within three minutes of the restart, Stevenage were level. Steve Watson was allowed too much space and time, and crossed well. Elding was positioned between the two centre halves, both of whom stopped to watch as he rose and easily headed past Roger.
Swansea however managed to bounce straight back, and regain the lead. Lee Trundle made a mazy run into the box, fell to the ground under a light challenge, but was gifted the ball back by a dreadful defensive mistake. Unsurprisingly he buried the ball into the corner of net.
On fifty-four minutes an off the ball incident left Richard Duffy lying on the floor under the nose of the assistant referee. He had obviously seen the incident and spoke to the referee. Surprisingly the offending player, Elding, received only a yellow card.
Stevenage's answer the Swansea's dominance was to play more physically and they collected a string of yellow cards for their over zealous approach.
Trundle had a chance late on to secure the victory but his shot was saved by the outrageous Perez.
Stevenage created several good opportunities and had a 'goal' disallowed for offside, and as things became frantic at the end the crowd were relieved to hear the final whistle.
So job done, and roll on Man Utd, Arsenal or Chelsea.
Roger – 7 – No chance with the goal, distribution all too often slow or poor.
Duffy – 8 – Excellent game, composed on the ball.
Iriekpen – 7 – Got too involved in his battle with Elding.
O'Leary – 7 – Gave his usual 100% effort.
Howard – 7 – Defended well, but didn't get forward as much as usual.
Durkan – 6 – Didn't offer us much going forward.
Britton – 8 – Ran and ran, and a constant thorn in their side.
Johnrose – 7 – Tidy, helped us gain control of midfield.
Robinson – 8 – As ever a threat and involved in most of our attacks.
Nugent – 6 – Looked a little lethargic today.
Trundle – 6 – Usual goal, but far from his best.
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