Match report

Match Report by Nigel Gigg, Photos Dai Smith

A massive New Year’s day fixture, as Swans in 3rd place take on Yeovil lying second. Both sides would be desperate for a win, but equally both sides would be determined not to lose.

A blustery day with heavy drizzle would be sure to make conditions difficult. By 2.30 p.m the ground was already ¾ full and both sets of supporters were in good voice helping to build an excellent atmosphere prior to kick off.

With Marc Goodfellow’s recall to Bristol City, Andy Robinson returned to midfield and was replaced on the bench by a fit again Leon Britton.

Side - Gueret, Ricketts, Iriekpen, Austin, Anderson, Forbes, Martinez, Tate, Robinson, Connor, Trundle. Subs Murphy, Jones, Maylett, Britton, Nugent.

Yeovil kicked off and in the first minute had an effort on goal with a header from a freekick. A second headed effort from Tarachulski was easily saved by Willy as the Swans had difficulty getting the ball into the Yeovil half in the early minutes.

Swans finally settled into the game and had their first chance on 5 minutes when Lee Trundle had a shot that Yeovil goalkeeper Chris Weale spilled, but he was able to recover just in time with Paul Connor bearing down.

The strong wind was causing problems for both teams but Willy Gueret in particular was having problems in kicking out.

With 20 minutes gone, Paul Connor knocked a ball down to Andy Robinson who fed Lee Trundle. He ran towards goal before being upended just 3 yards outside the box. Andy Robinson took the freekick, but fired straight into the wall.

The sides, as many had expected, were equally matched and despite both teams coming into the game full of goals, chances were at a premium and defences were on top.

After a sustained period of Yeovil pressure, on 42 minutes, Roberto Martinez found Adrian Forbes whose pass found Lee Trundle just inside the penalty area. Trundle turned and chipped the ball over the head of Weale but the ball sailed agonizingly over the bar.

Half time arrived and the Swans would have been happy with the 0-0 scoreline. Yeovil were marginally the better side and had had the advantage of a very strong wind, which had now all but disappeared.

Within a minute of the restart Andy Robinson was bought down 30 yards out. He took the freekick himself but his kick sailed meekly over the bar.

A couple of minutes later and the first mix up in the Swansea defence presented Phil Jevons with an opportunity. Swans were let off the hook as he toe poked the ball wide of the post.

The game was now being played at a furious pace and the skill level had improved, with the wind allowing more football to be played.

Alan Tate bought out the best in Weale with a fine shot that seemed destined for the top corner before the keeper’s fingertips turned the ball behind for a corner.

Lee Trundle then created an opportunity. After winning the ball in midfield, he ran at the heart of the defence before feeding the ball through to Paul Connor who was through on goal and unlucky to be pulled back by the linesman’s flag.

Yeovil were giving as good as they got and forced an excellent save from Willy with a point blank header.

As Yeovil again started to get on top, Alan Tate headed against his own bar under pressure.

On 62 minutes, Leon Britton replaced Adrian Forbes. Once more Forbes looked far from happy with his substitution. With the game crying out for width, Kenny Jackett’s choice of Leon ahead of Brad Maylett was perplexing.

Terry Skiverton then also almost broke the deadlock with an excellent header.

With so many chances at both ends a nil- nil draw had seemed inconceivable. But just as that seemed the likely conclusion, Yeovil snatched the lead. Following a period of sustained pressure in which Swans had been unable to retain any sort of possession, Yeovil created a spare man at the post. Yemi Odubade controlled the ball before bending a right foot shot wide of Willy Gueret.

The goal rocked Swansea and they struggled to get back into the game. The best chance they created was an overhead volley from Lee Trundle from 20 yards, which went wide.

With only seconds remaining and our defence outnumbered, Phil Jevons struck a shot from 12 yards that flew into the top corner of the net.

The referee’s final whistle blew shortly after with many already streaming out of the Vetch Field.

Yeovil worked hard for their victory and are a very strong efficient unit. They look to have improved since beating us 1-0 back in September. Swans for their part worked hard today but with Lee Trundle and Adrian Forbes not firing on all cylinders, it wasn’t enough.

Gueret 6 – Never coped with strong wind first half. Little chance with either goal.
Ricketts 7 – Not able to get forward much today. Defended well and good all round performance.
Iriekpen 6 – Given a torrid time by hardworking strikers.
Austin 6- As above.
Anderson 5- Didn’t improve his chances of a contract today.
Forbes 6 – Unlucky to be substituted, but not his day.
Martinez 7 – Worked hard all afternoon.
Tate 8 – Almost scored at both ends. Looked the class act we all know he is.
Robinson 6- Started well, but his influence waned as the game went on.
Connor 6- Up against an excellent defence and had few opportunities.
Trundle 6 – Worked hard but closely and well marked all afternoon.
Britton 5- Asked to play wide right against a physical side. Surely Maylett was the better option?

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