We travelled up in glorious sunshine and headed for the much vaunted breakfast meet with the MAGS at Peppers in Cheltenham.

We were not disappointed, and apart from meeting up with several listees, a hearty full english (spit) breakfast was enjoyed by all. The main talk around the breakfast table centred on who got drunk last night and would Jason Smith play?

We made our way en-masse to the neat billiard-like surfaced ground at Whaddon Road and we were pleased to see that the Cheltenham fans had heeded their manager's plea to turn up and not be afraid of the Swansea fans! (Apparently he gave this interview on local radio yesterday). However, the stand had large pockets of Swansea fans (150?) throughout and it was hard to believe that the policy had been not to sell to them.

When we got in the players were out on the field warming up - and it is not unfair to say to say that we had a patched up team out. There was no sign of Jason Smith - despite the encouraging noises from the club about him possibly starting. And so it was another "Be patient - the squad is strong enough" selection from manager Hollins.

Swans lined up 4-3-3 with Fresstone - Price, Evans, Jones, Coates - Jenkins, Cusack, Phillips - Watkin, Alsop, Boyd. The men on the bench were Jones J, Bird, O'Leary, Casey, Appleby.

Swans started brightly enough and the perfect conditions and playing surface seemed to suit our neat passing game. Two chances of note in the first half-hour when the ball was fed across an open goal from both flanks with Alsop and Boyd failing to get on the end of them.

The best of the game fell to Cheltenham however, right on the stroke of half-time. Loan signing Chris Freestone found the ball arrive at his feet from 2 yards out with a gaping goal at his mercy, but he contrived to scoop the ball onto the top of the bar when it would have been easier for John Merrick to score. This came after a spell of sustained pressure by Cheltenham - and had it not been for Steve Jones playing the roles of sweeper, centre half and left back, we would have surely gone in behind.

The second half saw Swansea again start brightly without creating any clear cut openings, but Cheltenham gradually took control. Grayson was giving Evans a torrid time with his powerful running and the talking point of the match came through one of these occasions.

Another through ball saw Freestone (Chris) chase one on one with Evans, and when the forward muscled through with a kick ahead, Freestone (Roger) showing little confidence in his young defender, came charging out of his area with what looked like a rugby style charge down of (Chris) Freestone's goal-bound lob. The linesman immediately flagged for handball but Freestone (Roger) gesticulated that he had headed it. The smart money was on Roger walking especially after the ref had consulted with the linesman and called Roger to him. BUT, mysteriously he was shown a yellow card - but the fact that it was orange - merely confirmed my suspicion that the ref was in two minds about yellow or red.

The game deteriorated as a spectacle for the last 20 mins as both sides hoofed the ball long hoping for a break in front of goal. In the end the Swans held out for a point in a match that Cheltenham were clear winners on points.

Swansea ratings:
Freestone 7 - should have walked, but did well apart from flapping at corners
Price 6 - had some forward runs but without real conviction
Jones 10 - outstanding - did the work of at least 2 players today
Evans 6 - a generous mark. Didn't let us down but there were several scary moments
Coates 8 - one of his good games. Played the full 100 mins too
Jenkins 6 - busy without being too effective
Cusack 6 - one of his anonymous games, but would have been missed if not there
Phillips 6 - some very good through balls but tired badly before being subbed
Watkin 6 - not his usual self. One touch control was missing
Alsop 6 - for work rate alone. Won only 10% of headers
Boyd 6 - some magic moments but not much else
Subs:
Appleby for Phillips 6 - looked up for it but looked short of match practice
Casey for Jenkins - only on for 90 seconds - 1 good run

Muted Swans
With the pun fully intended, it was a rather muted Swans performance, both on and off the pitch at Whaddon Road today. The expected 'big match' atmosphere, with possible crowd trouble to go with it, did not materialise, and the match never really got going either. We were surprised by the Whaddon Road Ground, which was smaller than we had expected, and the Swans contingent found themselves crammed into a low terrace behind the goal, the view from the left side being obstructed by a burger bar! We wonder what Barnet fans think of this when they visit!

The Swans lined up in their recently familiar 4-3-3 formation, but with increasingly unfamiliar personnel - both Smith and Bound were missing, so Jones and Evans made up the centre half pairing; Price rather alarmingly slotted in at right back and Coates continued his role at left back deputising for Howard. In midfield we were still without the injured Lacey and were also missing Thomas through suspensions so Cusack was supported by Jenkins and Phillips to his left and right respectively.

Given this rather depleted side, most of the 900 Swans fans would have probably taken a point before kick-off. But after a bright start by the Swans it began to look as though we could claim three. Cheltenham started slowly, and our midfield, prompted mainly by Phillips, began to weave some impressive patterns as we dominated the early play. This led to a golden chance for Watkin, when an excellent move on the left was followed by a low cross, which he appeared from our low viewpoint to miss completely.

Despite this early pressure we failed to create any clear cut chances and then our midfield managed to lose its grip. This led to a couple of half chances for the lively Cheltenham strike pairing of Chris Freestone and Neil Grayson. The best of these being a volley from Grayson which narrowly cleared the bar. Coates and Price dealt fairly comfortably with the main Cheltenham tactic - the long ball to the corners. But we did seem very vulnerable to crosses and corners, of which Cheltenham forced several. Our best chance at this stage came from a Coates cross which came agonising close to both Alsop and Boyd but which neither could convert. An entertaining moment arose when Grayson and Chris Freestone challenged for the same ball and managed to pole axe each other, with no intervention from a Swan! Late in the half we should have gone behind when Evans and Price were caught napping by a low cross leaving Chris Freestone with an open goal from 3 yards which he contrived to turn onto the crossbar and over.

At half time, feeling that a trip to the toilets would be pointless (two portaloos for 900 people!!!) we pondered that the second half could be better is we switched to a 4-4-2, thus giving more width and freeing up a little more space. However, once the PA was turned of to kill the only atmosphere in the ground, we resumed the same formation but started the half very brightly. Boyd seemed particularly switched on and his skilful running created a chance for Alsop which he struck wide. Watkin also looked lively and, combining well with Coates, created a couple of half chances for himself which he struck wide. Our best effort of this spell was an excellent skimming drive from Price which the keeper saved well. Cusack also brought a save from Book with a low header from a corner.

However, again our pressure did not tell and Cheltenham always looked lively on the break. Our most harrowing moment came when a Cheltenham player chased a speculative long ball, attempted to lift it over Freestone who had come out of his area and appeared to handle. The referee after consulting his assistant decided, to the relief of all Jacks, that a clear goal scoring opportunity had not been denied and Roger got away with a yellow - what an impact that may have had on our season if it had been red! Cheltenham's best spell of the second half followed. Roger made a good save from the free kick and Grayson struck a fierce shot over the bar.

We still looked the more composed side and when Appleby replaced Phillips, we gained an extra dimension to our play. Richie produced a sublime moment of skill when he brought down a high ball, swivelled and spread a superb pass cross field to Coates. He also produced one excellent cross which just eluded Cusack at the far post. In a late burst of attacking, a low cross from Coates was almost turned in by Alsop, who also missed a half chance from the left. A final flurry from Cheltenham saw us scramble to clear a couple of corners, but in the end the stalemate was a predictable and appropriate result.

Player ratings:
Freestone - 7 Did well to hold the defence together but flapped at a couple
Price - 6 Some intelligent forward play, but STILL not a defender!
Coates - 8 Maturing into a real asset as a skilful left back who gets forward well; Howard might struggle to get his place back.
Jones - 9 Won everything in the air and produced some superb challenges. A Man of the Match performance on his return to his home turf.
Evans - 7 Not Smith or Bound, but he has some promise and kept his head.
Phillips - 7 Great first half display - some nice touches and intelligent passing. Faded in the second half and needs to be stronger in the tackle.
Cusack - 5 Helped out in defence but made little impact.
Jenkins - 5 This game could have been won if our midfield had managed impose itself consistently (Now, where have you heard this before?)
Watkin - 7 Intelligent running, good link play, lacking the confidence of a good final touch at present.
Alsop - 7 Strong in the air, and showed some good touches. But still no goals.
Boyd - 8 Some great skill on the ball, and some real invention, but nothing came off for him today.
Appleby - 8 Fell over once, one great cross, one great piece of skill, and one crunching tackle that could have got him booked.....Richie is back!
Casey - Not on long enough to rate. One good run.

Director for the day - 10 out of 10 JTKL - and a free program to boot!

Some observers might think this was two points dropped, but considering the problems with injury and suspension we would say that this was a point gained. Cheltenham obviously saw this as a grudge game and it was a potential banana skin for the Swans. Even with a second string back four we still kept a clean sheet and have now re-established THE BEST defensive record in all 4 divisions and the Conference. Another unbeaten run is underway, and hopefully will continue with 3 points on Friday. Credit to the Swans fans for excellent behaviour before and during the game, lets hope for a full house against Chester."

Cheltenham Town at Whaddon Road, oh how far we have travelled under he guidance of Neil Mcclure et all ?

A good start to the day as about 50 or so of The MAGS headed for an early breakfast at a well known public house in the town. No alcohol of course, because this supporters club has had far too much fabrication attached to it in recent days. Rumours of our members buying tickets for Swans fans ( unfounded and untrue ) and of 500 Jacks with tickets in home areas were shown to be complete and utter rubbish. Like most things, the hype was never going to be lived up to, no trouble in side or outside the ground made for a decent day out in the Gloucestershire sunshine. At least football won that particular confrontation. It's just a shame that the people who involve themselve's in trying to upset the apple cart by spreading lies and about Swans supporters are not out of a job, but then ..... !

From the off it was clear that Swansea were going to struggle. John Hollins delivered us one of his " be patient " and " This squad is good enough " sides with Thomas, Bound, Howard and Smith all missing. It was going to be hard. Overall both sides were equal, distribution, much like the game in November at The Vetch ( the worst I have ever seen ) was poor but a few shining lights made the day for us. Steve Jones grafted and shone in a back four who were continually sliced apart by the pace of Neil Grayson ( at 35 years ) and on loan Chris Freestone. The latter missing from three yards out when surely it was easier to score. The finish was almost Torpeyesque.

Neil Grayson also came close with an overhead kick our Jules ( a complete grafter ) can only dream about.

When The Swans did venture forward it was slow, devoid of idea and at times painful. A break down the left by Coates, delivering a stunning cross for either Watkin or Alsop to get on the end of. Result, both should have not bothered turning up. That was to be the pattern. Cheltenham keeping the ball in the air and Swansea unable to get it on the floor and play. Influencial players like Cusack and Watkin were clearly out of sorts, both made mistake after mistake, and Cusack was back to his old ways. Giving the ball away and lacking the strength to hold up play and deliver something ( anything ) to Walter Boyd who gradually gave up as the game wore on. The Blacka Pearl could have stolen the game with a cross goal shot after 35 minutes.

With Boyd came Alsop. For effort Jules gets a big ten, but even he was ineffective and it was remarked his head resembled a 50 pence piece, you just never know where the ball will end up ! It was clear it was never going to be in the back of the net and all around us were wishing a draw as Cheltenham pushed on during the final ten minutes.

If the game had a talking point it was Roger's handball. The ref booked Rog after he allegedly hand balled, outside the area, during a one on one with his Cheltenham namesake. If it was handball he should have seen red. How ref's differ eh ? We should be thankfull, his replacement is just not good enough, and three games without Roger could seriously affect our promotion hopes.

Appleby replaced the haphazard Lee Jenkins and Ryan Casey ( give him a game JH ) came on for the even poorer Gareth Phillips. Things looked slighlty rosier, Boyd crossed for Alsop to miss in front of goal, and the big man got in the way as Walter burst through the Robins defence and looked in on goal. Shots from Watkin and Alsop failed to trouble the keeper and a header from Cusack was easy for Cheltenham goalie as time yet again showed that we have much to do. A month ago we would have won the game 1-0, but a point is a point, especially away from home, we were deficient on the pitch and clearly the same when it came to ideas when moving forward.

The next week or so see's the return of Thomas, Bound and hopefully Smith and O' Leary is waiting in the wings too, so all is not doom and gloom.

We have a lot to do but surely there's three points waiting to be banked on Friday against Chester City ?

The hype ? Well lets just say those involved in it are a disgrace to football and to genuine football fans.

The game ? Better forgotten as we march on to the second division and another year at Fortress Vetch !

MOM : Steve Jones. Just where would he be now if it was not for that injury ?

THE REAL WINNERS : Every football fan at the game.

The scoreline was a repeat of the result between the two clubs at the Vetch Field in November, the result which came at the start of Swansea's club record winning run.

Swansea brought an injury-hit sqaud to the game, but their makeshift defence held firm against everything Cheltenham could throw at them, the closest they came to a goal was a shot from new loan-signing Chris Freestone that came back off the crossbar.

That chance came in first-half injury-time when a throw by Jamie Victory was helped on by Lee Howells and Freestone stabbed at it from close range. He did well to reach the chance but the ball bounced clear off the bar.

The game's other main talking point was a handball outside the area by Swansea goalkeeper Roger Freestone.

A throughball by Mark Yates fell to Chris Freestone who tried a long shot. His namesake charged out of the box and appeared to handle the ball.

Referee Steve Baines decided to show a yellow card, much to the home crowd's annoyance, and later said that there were players running back and that Freestone was not necessarily the last man.

Swansea boss John Hollins thought that his goalkeeper headed the ball and that a booking was unjust.

Aside from those two chances it was a competitive but never an uplifting game.

Neil Grayson was always a willing runner for Town and the three-man Swansea forward line of Steve Watkin, Julian Alsop and Walter Boyd created a succession of half chances without seriously extending home goalkeeper Steve Book.

The only save of note that he had to make was a diving effort to deny a Jason Price shot that may well have been going wide.

This result means that Swansea's promotion charge is still on track, it is only one defeat in 16 games for them, but Cheltenham would have wanted a win to take them back into the top half of the table.

"I don't know wether we deserved to win it," said Cheltenham manager Steve Cotterill.

"Over the 90 minutes a draw was probably the right result. It is a bit disappointing because a win would have sent us ninth, but we played better at Barnet last week and lost." Of the handball decision he said: "I don't like to see any player sent off, but I think that the rule says that he should have gone.

"Their substitute goalkeeper was stripped and had his gloves on which says it all." John Hollins was not too disappointed saying: "We came here to win and I thought we did enough, but Chetenham are a tough and strong side.

"At this level it is all about finishing and we had a couple of good chances but did not put them away.

"I thought Roger Freestone headed the ball and the video evidence confirmed that we will be looking to quash the booking.".