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Match Report


Saturday, December 6th, 2008
Bristol City 0-0 Swansea City
Bristol City 0 Swansea City 0  - Match Report - Dai Smith, Match Pictures - Andrew Thomas

The day started out at 11:30 from the Liberty stadium which ensured that we arrived at Ashton Gate an hour and a quarter before kick-off and in-turn ensured the 1000 or so Swans fans were fully frozen blocks of ice on the terraces before kick-off. I know that the safety of the fans is paramount, but leaving so early is frankly ridiculous. 

The Swans line up contained very few surprises with Scotland starting ahead of Pintado. I was fully prepared to give Lee trundle a nice round of applause in recognition of the four years service that he give our club. I must admit though to be in surprised by the amount of chants and songs devoted to him both before, after and during the game. I have subsequently read comments by Roberto about the chanting and agree with him 100%.

Onto the game then, the Swans did not start well and looked all at sea for the first 20 minutes. But for all the possession that Bristol had in the opening period, they did not test DeVries until the 15th minute when he made a smart stop from a McIndoe shot.

On the half hour Bessone appeared to pick up a hamstring injury and was replaced by Alan Tate. Rangel then moved over to left back with Tate covering the right. This makeshift defence seemed to perform much better and the Swans started to make their way into the game.

One around the hour mark the Swans had their biggest scare. Stern John rose highest at the back post but his header was cleared off the line by Williams. Many Bristol fans and players celebrated believing that the ball crossed the line but from our vantage point behind the opposite goal it was impossible to tell.

The Swans however caused a scare or two themselves, with a free-kick from Gormez flashing narrowly wide, and shots from Pintado and Pratley being well saved by their keeper.

All in all, it was probably a good point gained for us, although both sets of fans would claim it is a game they should have won.

Managers Comments and line ups from the BBC

Bristol City manager Gary Johnson:
"I'm not blaming the officials [for ruling out Elliott's chance], the linesman couldn't see because the keeper was against the post."

"I thought we were one goal away from a good win.

"The boys from the first moment to the 90th minute tried to win the game."

Swansea manager Roberto Martinez:
"The best view [of Elliott's chance] was from the linesman and it was quite clear it didn't cross the line.

"I was pleased with many aspects of our performance, a draw was a fair result if you look at the 90 minutes.

"We knew it was a tough place to come because they had won one in eight and were desperate for a home win.

"It is great to see Dorus back enjoying his football. He had a horrific football accident and is now back to his best."

 

Bristol City: Basso, Brian Wilson, Carey, McCombe, Fontaine, Sproule (Williams 84), Elliott, Skuse, McIndoe, Maynard (Trundle 71), John.
Subs Not Used: Henderson, Noble, James Wilson.

Booked: McIndoe, Carey, Maynard.

Swansea: De Vries, Rangel, Monk, Williams, Bessone (Tate 28), Butler (Allen 88), Tudur-Jones, Pratley, Gower (Pintado 60), Gomez, Scotland.
Subs Not Used: Konstantopoulos, Brandy.

Booked: Williams, Gomez, Butler.

Att: 16,405

Ref: Lee Mason (Lancashire).

 



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