Match Report

A real test in store today for the visit of Oldham. Oldham are on a terrific run of form away from home and came into today’s game unbeaten in nine away from Boundary Park. Their home record is far from impressive and they achieved only their third win at home in midweek after getting their first home win on the opening day of the season against Swans in a game that Swans had dominated.  

Swans were also without Darren Pratley from suspension and Paul Anderson who picked up an injury at Forest in the week.  

Swans reverted to the 4-5-1 formation with Guillem Bauza replaced by Joe Allen.  

Side- De Vries, Rangel, Monk, Lawrence, Painter, Butler, Britton, Bodde, Allen, Robinson, Scotland. Subs- Tate, O’Leary, McDonald, Bauza, Brandy.  

Oldham looked full of confidence from the outset and matched Swans with their passing and movement. Swans were in fact looking a little pedestrian early on and Ferrie Bodde could be heard from 50 yards screaming at those in front of him to ‘move’ more than once.  

It was 18 minutes before either side managed a shot at goal with Oldham’s Lewis Alessandra firing a shot into the side netting from 25 yards.  

Without Paul Anderson and Darren Pratley breaking forward Swans were lacking support for Jason Scotland and he was often left isolated with four defenders surrounding him.  

Swans didn’t win their first corner until the 27^th minute and at that stage had still to have a shot at goal.  

As in the game at Boundary Park, Welshman Craig Davies was outstanding and he was often doing the work of two men.  

Andy Robinson made a terrific run down the left wing and fired a low cross across the six yard box but no Swans player had gambled by making any sort of run.  

Swans were short of ideas and the first touch was very poor against their recent standards.  

Swans did finally put some sort of pressure on the Oldham goal just before half time and Angel Rangel managed a speculative shot at goal that was nowhere near testing Mark Crossley in the Oldham goal.  

At half time Roberto Martinez would, no doubt, have contemplated a change to the system but he kept faith with the starting eleven, although the late arrival of the team for the second half may well have indicated he and Graham Jones had read the riot act.  

Leon Britton took a knock early in the second half and continued after having his thigh heavily strapped.  

There was little improvement to the pattern of play and after just 9 minutes of the second half, Joe Allen made way for Guillem Bauza as Swans switched to 4-4-2.  

The substitution and change of formation lifted the crowd and the team and suddenly Swans were in the ascendancy.

Craig Davies who had been so influential in the first half became more interested in personal battles and was being baited by the East Stand. He snapped and trampled all over Ferrie Bodde and was lucky only to receive a yellow card.

Jason Scotland almost got through on goal after an intricate one two with Guillem Bauza and was only denied by Crossley’s intervention. Ferrie Bodde then burst through from midfield and chose to shoot when Tom Butler was in acres of space to his right. His shot flew well over the bar.  

But finally Swans were finding their feet. On 65 minutes Swans took the lead. Guillem Bauza played a one two with Leon Britton before putting Jason Scotland through. He rounded the centre half but was forced to wide for a shot and fired a terrific drive across just three yards out from goal that left Crossley flat footed. With Swans players pouring in at the far post, Garry McDonald had no option but to attempt a clearance, but he only succeeded in putting the ball into his own goal.  

The goal lifted everyone and Swans were now playing near their best.  However, the feel good factor was cut short on 74 minutes when Oldham were awarded a penalty. Craig Davies did very well to get away from Garry Monk and Angel Rangel but with the ball going across goal just inside the area he and Ferrie Bodde both stretched for the ball. Davies just got to the ball first and Bodde did seem to clip his ankles with his challenge. Referee Mr Taylor was in no doubt and awarded the penalty. Davies dusted himself down before sending Dorus the wrong way.  

Swans bounced straight back and Andy Robinson should have scored from a Tom Butler cross but his header, from an unmarked position,  lacked power and was easily saved by Crossley.  

Jason Scotland then made another terrific run and cross and Andy Robinson looked favourite to score at the far post but seemed to have his legs taken from under him but Mr Taylor saw nothing wrong.  

Febian Brandy replaced an injured Jason Scotland 8 minutes from time and it took him just 90 seconds to put the Swans ahead. Andy Robinson tripped near the touch line and did really well to keep the ball in play and find Guillem Bauza with a pass from a prone position. Bauza twisted and turned and found Febian Brandy who took one touch before rifling the ball past Crossley. His celebration was as good as his goal with a back flip executed perfectly.  

Swans saw out time sitting back but looked the more likely scorers on the break.  

So Swans terrific run continues. Without ever being at their best this was a victory earned with guts and determination.

Ratings-  

De Vries 7 – Solid and reliable.
Rangel  7 – Always reliable.
Monk 9 –  Outstanding. Until the penalty Oldham never really looked like scoring and most of that was down to him. Marshalled defence and won just about every aerial challenge.
Lawrence 7 – Another decent game.
Painter 7 –Good all round game but picked up a booking for diving and now faces a suspension.

Butler 7 – Good all round game.
Britton 7 –Looked tired and jaded first half but excellent second half.
Bodde  7 –passing game not at usual standard but tackled like a lion.
Allen 5 – Didn’t impose himself on the game.
Robinson 7 – Always a threat.

Scotland 8 – Never stopped trying. Lacked support first half but came into his own when support was forthcoming.

Subs-  

Bauza 8 – Not doubt his arrival turned the game. Great close control.
Brandy 8 – Superb finish.

Swansea: De Vries, Rangel, Monk, Lawrence, Painter, Bodde, Britton, Robinson, Butler, Allen (Bauza 56), Scotland (Brandy 83).
Subs Not Used: O'Leary, Tate, MacDonald.

Booked: Painter.

Goals: McDonald 67 og, Brandy 85.

Oldham: Crossley, Eardley, Stam, Hazell, Lomax, Jarrett (Kalala 83), McDonald (Smalley 71), Allott, Livermore, Alessandra (Wolfenden 90), Davies.
Subs Not Used: Pogliacomi, Black.

Booked: Davies, Hazell.

Goals: Davies 76 pen.

Att: 12,458

Ref: Paul Taylor (Hertfordshire).

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