Match report

The last League game at the Vetch Field and a vital game for Swans in the quest for promotion. Either one of those events would make today special, the two combined made today unique for all Swans fans.

The disappointment of last weeks loss and more importantly the lack of fight displayed will have left many having a worrying week. The maths are not straightforward. All Swans can do is play their hearts out and win their last two games and hope other results favour us.

The build up to the game did nothing to calm the nerves and help keep a lid on the emotions. Catherine Davies started the festivities inside the ground with a heart rendering version of ‘My way’ followed by Max Boyce singing ‘Bread of Heaven’ and ‘ Mae Hen Wlad fy Nhadau’. If things weren’t emotional enough the walk past by the Swans Legends bought tears to many eyes.

The decision to complete the players warm up by 2.30, fifteen minutes earlier than normal, was correct and it would have been almost impossible for them not to be caught in the emotions. The one things that let the build up down was the dreadful PA system which was barely audible on the North Bank.

Back to the real business and Kenny Jackett made three changes to the starting line-up at Bristol. Kevin McLeod for Andy Robinson was enforced, Paul Connor for Lee Thorpe was expected after Thorpe’s poor showing at Bristol Rovers, but Kevin Austin for Andy Gurney came as a surprise.

Side-

Unsurprisingly Swans started nervously and Shrewsbury had a couple of early chances that thankfully came to nothing.

With the Swans first serious attack they grabbed the all-important lead. Shrews defence was opened up with ease in a combination move involving Sam Ricketts, Lee Trundle and Kevin McLeod and then McLeod’s all important pass across the field found Adrian Forbes totally unmarked 30 yards out from goal. He ran at goal and Shrews keeper Joe Hart was quickly out to the very edge of his box. With everyone expecting Forbes to try to round Hart, he shot wide of Hart and into the corner of the net. The goal was greeted with a huge sigh of relief by everyone and most expected Swans to now go on and win the game with ease.

One thing about being a Swans fan you soon realise life just isn’t that straightforward. Shrews hit back immediately when Kevin Street crossed from the left and Kelvin Langmead rose at the far post unchallenged and headed the ball down firmly toward the goal. Willy looked beaten all ends up but somehow managed to claw the ball away, reminiscent of Gordon Banks save from Pele in the 1970 World Cup. It really was that good. Street picked himself up and hit the rebound, which Willy saved with his legs.

Shrews then continued to have the better chances the bulk presented to them by a nervous and hesitant defence, with Willy saving ed the Swans blushes on several more occasions. Swans just couldn’t get into their stride and although Paul Connor was doing sterling work up front he had very little by way of support. In defence Izzy in particular looked vulnerable and Andy Gurney was having difficulty controlling the excellent Aiston.

At half time Kenny Jackett backtracked on his decision to drop Austin by bringing him on for Gurney and Ricketts moved across to the right.

The game still never really opened up as Swans nervously clung on to their slender lead. Paul Connor was surprisingly withdrawn on 60 minutes for Leon Britton with Adrian Forbes moving up field to partner Lee Trundle. McLeod seemed to tire which was not surprising as it seemed all Swans moves were fed forward to him and now he was failing to make progress against his marker. It was no surprise when he was replaced by Thorpe which meant yet another change to the formation with Forbes dropping back to wide right. Shrews continue to battle manfully and neither the Swans nor the fans could relax.

With 20 minutes to go Lee Trundle finally created the opening he was looking for all afternoon, but from just 12 yards out he fired a right foot shot well over the bar.

It was to be Swans last serious threat on the Shrewsbury goal as Shrewsbury continued to create the better chances. Thankfully Swans repelled their attacks and saw the final minutes out to bring the curtain down on League football at the Vetch with a fourth straight home win.

The final whistle bought about the usual end of season pitch invasion with hundreds still on the pitch, sitting in their seats or just still standing on the North Bank with their thoughts and memories.

Outside the ground resembled a no-go zone with young fans tearing down any souvenir from the Vetch including the Club Shop sign.

Now it’s all roads lead to Bury. With next Saturday being my birthday and the game at Gigg Lane surely we’ll secure our automatic promotion?

Gueret 9 – One world class save and much busier than we’d have wished.

Gurney 6 – Did give us a solid look and allowed Sam to move across to the left where he always looks more effective.
Monk 7 – Solid and reliable as ever.
Iriekpen 6 – Nervous display but did get himself out of jail several times.
Ricketts 7- Back approaching his best.

Forbes 7 – Best game for some while, but was never composed in the second half and always to keen to put his head down and run into people.
Martinez –8 Very assured and never put a foot wrong.
O’Leary 6 – very quiet game by his standards of late.
McLeod 6 – Created the goal with his vision, faded badly second half.

Connor 7 – Hard working and showed excellent control. Lacked support, especially from midfield.
Trundle 6- Outmarked by Tinson, as he was at Shrewsbury earlier in the season.

Subs-

Austin 7 – Never gave an inch.
Britton 7 – Probably unlucky not to start. Again offered us a new dimension.
Thorpe 6 – As Connor, starved of supply.
Connor 7 – Surprisingly substituted.
Trundle 6- Outmarked by Tinson, as he was earlier in the season at Shrewsbury.

And a couple of pics from me

Many more pictures to follow

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