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| Swansea 2 v 2 Wrexham |
by Phil Blanche - Western Mail
Alsop challenges for the ball
Barry Town were the real winners as Swansea City and Wrexham shared the FAW Premier Cup spoils at the Vetch Field last night.
Swansea’s second-half fight-back from a two-goal deficit stirred memories of their derby triumph over Cardiff City.
The point ensured that Swansea finish above Wrexham in Group B, but both clubs are now at the mercy of League of Wales champions Barry.
The Dragons will win the section by completing a double over group whipping-boys Caernarfon Town in the next fortnight, although Swansea’s record should be good enough to earn themselves a home tie at the quarter-final stage.
With Wrexham probably progressing too as a best third-placed team, it seems certain that all three clubs will emerge breathing from the so called Group of Death.
Swansea started well. Julian Alsop touched on Michael Howard’s sixth- minute free-kick to present Jason Price with a clear shooting opportunity from 12 yards.
Price’s effort was batted out by Wrexham goalkeeper Mark Cartwright and Aiden Newhouse miscued the rebound.
Cartwright needed treatment on his right shoulder after being clattered by the burly Alsop, but Wrexham took command through a stunning Karl Connolly strike after 28 minutes.
Craig Skinner whipped in a cross from the right for Connolly, darting in front of static Swansea defenders, to beat Roger Freestone with a volley that swerved away from the ’keeper.
The goal inspired Wrexham as Freestone saved from Dean Spink and Connolly had legitimate claims for a penalty for a push turned down.
But moments before the break Martyn Chalk’s cross caused panic in the home defence and Howard, under pressure from Skinner, stooped to head into his own net.
The half-time response of Swansea manager John Hollins was to withdraw Newhouse and Steve Jones and send on Tony Bird and Stuart Roberts. Within seven minutes Swansea were level, scoring twice inside 60 seconds.
Alsop again made his presence felt from a set piece and, as the ball came back to Richard Appleby, the corner- taker stepped inside two defenders to lash home via the far post.
Cartwright had to pick the ball out of the net again when Alsop’s flick in the centre circle freed the pacy Roberts. The 18-year-old kept his cool to fire across Cartwright for his first goal in senior football.
The pattern for the final quarter was set by Spink’s 62nd-minute dismissal, Montgomery referee Kevin Morris reacting harshly to a touch- line tangle with Jason Smith by brandishing the red card.
Wrexham were then restricted to the odd counter-attack as Swansea poured forward, both Appleby and Lee Jenkins being denied in the closing stages.
Swansea City: Freestone, Jones (Roberts, 46), Howard, Cusack, Smith, Bound, Price, Jenkins, Alsop, Newhouse (Bird, 46), Appleby. Sub (not used): Phillips.
Wrexham: Cartwright, McGregor, Hardy, Thomas, Ridler, Humes, Skinner (Edwards, 67), Owen, Connolly, Spink, Chalk. Subs (not used): S Roberts, Mazarella.
Referee: K Morris (Montgomery).