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Match report |
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Swansea City 1 v 0 Rochdale | |
Swansea
Rochdale
Referee
Attendance |
Video clips
Listers' view - Gary Martin Any more performances like this coupled with results like this, then don't be surprised if the Squad Fraud are seen investigating down the Vetch. Despite controlling the match for long periods, Rochdale have only themselves to blame for not turning their pressure into goals. Hollins made just one change to the starting XI - Steve Jones returning at right back in place of out of form Jason Price.
Both sides created half chances in the first minute. Swansea were indebted to Steve Jones for a sliding tackle just as one of the Rochdale strikers was about to pull the trigger. Then play switched to the other end with Boyd having a shot at goal which caused Edwards no trouble. On 9 minutes it was Bound's turn to come to Swansea's rescue with a crucial tackle inside the box. The remainder of the half saw Swansea have to resort to high balls as they couldn't find a way through the well organised Rochdale midfield. In contrast, Rochdale had no such trouble and were content to gobble up these high balls and play the ball along the ground. Swansea were very fortunate to get away with what looked an obvious penalty just 5 minutes before the break. Jones trying to repeat his goal saving tackle from earlier in the match, clearly clipped the Rochdale centre forward from behind whilst he had just raced into the box. But thanks to the inept refereeing of Trevor Parkes, he merely awarded a goal kick. Swansea once again trudged off to boos ringing in their ears. Hopes of a second half revival were short-lived and Thomas got booked after just 3 minutes of the restart for foul play. Rochdale continued to dominate and frustrate both the Swansea players and the increasingly agitated crowd. The fans had to wait until the 63rd minute of the match before seeing anything from Swansea worthy of a cheer. Howard made a mess of clearing the ball upfield but a lucky rebound saw him regain possession almost immediately. This time he found Thomas who made ground towards the rochdale box before feeding Watkin who shot narrowly wide. After 64 minutes Hollins made a double substitution; Keegan for Roberts and O'Leary for the ineffective Thomas. Although his distribution was dire, O'Leary's introduction had the effect of breaking up Rochdale's slick passing game and as a result this favoured the out of sorts Swans. Watkin was booked on 68 minutes for a bit of handbagging in a tackle and a lengthy period of uncertainty ensued whilst the referee consulted the linesman over this issue. The result was 2 further bookings for Rochdale - who had played a physical game throughout (something our midfield would do well to imitate). Frestone came to swansea's rescue in the 75th minute when he foiled a promising Rochdale shot with his feet. To loud cheers from the crowd, Alsop replaced the static Boyd on 76 minutes. Although short on skill, Alsop added a much needed presence in a challenging sense and Swansea began to get almost as much possession as Rochdale.
With raised voices all around berating Hollins and any team member you'd care to chose, the moaners were silenced when a gem of a cross from the right by Michael keegan was met deep on the far post by Cusack. His half volley looked as if the keeper got his hand to it, but the power of the shot ensured that Swansea had taken the lead totally against the balance of play. There was still time for Coates to force the keeper into a fine save during injury time which must have stung his fingers. Summary: Another very disappointing performance from Swansea - but if they can keep coming up with smash and grab results like this, then some fans will be satisfied. Click here to return to the main page. |