Match Report

Swans eased into the final of the Southern Section of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy with a 1-0 win over Brighton with Darryl Duffy scoring his first goal since September.  

Roberto Martinez rang the changes, but again put out a relatively strong side with the bench packed with experience.

Side- De Vries, Rangel, Monk, Lawrence, Painter, Anderson, Allen, O’Leary, Orlandi, Duffy, Bauza.  Subs- Knight, Britton, Pratley, Butler, Scotland.    

Swans opened the scoring in the 9^th minute with Darryl Duffy heading home a deflected Paul Anderson cross to break his long goal scoring drought which stretches back just short of 4 months.  

A few minutes later after a fantastic run down the left Andrea Orlandi crossed from the left. Darryl Duffy stretched at the near post but couldn’t get a touch but Guillem Bauza met the ball at the far post and somehow managed to put the ball wide of the post when it looked easier to score.

Joe Allen also missed a relative sitter again from an Orlandi cross and Swans really should have put the game beyond Brighton by half time.

 Brighton were far more of a threat in the second half but there was only one real scare on the Swansea goal when Kris O’Leary was left for dead by Dean Cox who got through on goal but Dorus de Vries saved well with his legs.

Swans created further chances but couldn’t get the second goal that would have made life so much easier. But the Swans are back to winning ways and only MK Dons stand between them and a Wembley appearance.  

Ratings-

De Vries 7- A quiet night but did well.
Rangel 7 – Another tidy game from one of most consistent performers.
Monk 8 – Solid as a rock and got Big Den out of trouble more than once.
Lawrence 7 – Won just about every high ball but did get caught out a few times.
Painter 7 – Solid in defence and helped out down flank in attacks.

 Anderson 6 – Very quiet night with most of the attacking play coming down the left tonight.
Allen 7 – Given far more freedom and so more of the ball than he did on Saturday.
O’Leary 6 – Played role of Joe Allen’s minder well but tired noticeably in the last 20 minutes.
Orlandi 8 – Excellent game with some sublime touches. Picked up knee injury ten minutes from time and hobbled his way through to the end of the game.  

Duffy 7 – Well taken goal and looked far more confident than we’ve seen in months.
Bauza 7 – Some great work but really should have got on the score sheet tonight. 

Subs-  

Butler 6 – Usual Tom Butler cameo.
Britton 7 – Added much needed experience and fresh legs late on.
Pratley 7 – As with Leon helped Swans retain possession for long periods late on.

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