Match report

Video clips

• Mike Howard's shot against the post (308kb)
• Oldham's goal (632kbb)
• Jon Coates's shot (373kb)
• Steve Watkin's header (291kb)

What is this enigma that is our team? And how did we fail to secure at least a draw today? Two questions we pondered on the way back down the A1. This was a thoroughly rejuvenated Swans team, who took to the field evidently with backsides smarting from a sound kick which they must have received after the reported debacle vs. Cheltenham. There was spirit, endeavour and plenty of constructive football from the first whistle to the last. And the 3-400 Swans fans who attended were left wondering how we could have lost.

The early exchanges saw the Swans play the more fluent passing game, but Oldham looked the more dangerous down the flanks. Nonetheless, we had the better of the first half territorially, and whilst our chances were limited to some long range efforts, the best of which from Howard clattered the post, it was a travesty that we went in at half time a goal behind. Steve Jones was still recovering from a foul tackle on him, when he failed to out jump Whitehall at the far post, who headed home Oldham's first direct attempt on goal. This was scant reward for the hard work of Cusack and Lacey and the tireless running of Appleby , Watkin and Alsop. Coates in particular could feel pleased with his first half's work.

We began the second half clearly believing that the game could be rescued. Cusack pushed forward to support the attack, and Coates and Appleby stepped up a further gear adopting roving midfield roles. Our positive approach left some gaps at the back, and on two occasions Oldham came close to extending their lead. Our response was to replace Appleby with Boyd, push Cusack to the right and go for an all out 4-3-3. This spurred us into a last 35 minute onslaught which brought chances too numerous to recall in full. The best of these: A vicious freekick from Coates, bound for the top corner, which the keeper saved well; A close range header from Alsop which narrowly cleared the bar ; A shot from Watkin which went over the bar after good approach work; A shot from Lacey, blasted over the bar after good build up from Coates; A through ball from Boyd to Watkin, which could have resulted in a goal but for a late saving tackle; A similar ball from Watkin to Boyd, returning the favour; A superb Alsop cross from the right, leading to a close range header from Watkin, brilliantly saved by Gary Kelly.

The replacement of Appleby by Boyd brought about the three up front tactic which many commentators, including us, have been asking for. And Boyd did it work!!! Watkin and Boyd linked together well, several knock-downs from Alsop also found their way to these two, and we looked a real threat whilst the three of them were together. The support to them from Coates was also excellent. On the down side, this did leave gaps, but at least we had looked as though we had found a cutting edge, and the fact that we didn't cut was genuinely down to terrible misfortune.

On a sour note, the FA cup brought out the 'nutter contingent' from Swansea today, with their negative and racist chanting. When they began to incite a riot and break over the fence, the local police had to act promptly to remove the instigators. Some people actually criticised the police for this, and some who are old enough to know better, actually tried to intervene on the hooligans' behalf. Very sad. We do not need people like this turning up...ironically, many of them we have never seen at an away game before.

There were no chants against Hollins today.

Player ratings
Freestone - 8 Not much chance with the goal, and excellent in the air.
Jones - 7 (10 brownie points for knocking Price out of the team!) Looked very assured at right back, battles hard, crossed the ball well. Welcome back Steve.
Smith - 7 As usual solid and athletic - a little slow when under pressure in the second half
Bound - 7 see above, but acted as a rear guard motivator. Perhaps time to chuck him the armband.
Howard - 7 Neat and tidy, no mistakes.
Cusack - 6 A competent performance - more influential than he has been.
Lacey - 6 Had one good shot in the first half, and a bad one in the second. Battled hard and put himself about.
Appleby - 6 Some good tricks but not enough impact.
Coates - 9 Great close control, intelligent running, some good cross field passing, some good vision, tenacious running and tackling back - my goodness, a midfielder! One superb effort on goal too.
Watkin - 8 Must have thought he'd scored. Good links with Boyd.
Alsop - 8 A real battler as ever both down the middle and on both wings. He really unsettled them.

Sub
Boyd - 8 Definitely the best performance we have seen from Walter. Real effort, some intelligent running, some good skill on the ball, and a couple of good through balls to Watkin. Looked as though he was going to give us a goal. One lovely moment when he grabbed the ball and rushed to take a quick corner, beckoning Coates to follow him - an indication of some genuine improvisation and quick-thinking. Maybe he's getting used to the cold!

In summary,
A performance which was much better than the result, and if we come out of the 'wild card' draw, then it will be well merited. We made Oldham look every bit the ordinary team they are, and unlike in recent games there was some real promise of better to come. The football was played to feet, the running was intelligent and the tactics were sound. Lady Luck was nowhere to be seen.