JOHN HOLLINS has hit back a "so-called experts" who claim Giovanni Savarese will be a Swansea City flop.

Former Wales international Mark Aizlewood, now a radio analyst, criticised Savarese for his performance in last week's 4-2 defeat at Rotherham.

He predicted the Venezuelan international wouldn't score 10 goals this season.

But the 29-year-old striker scored twice in Tuesday's 2-2 home draw with Bristol City, adding to the two he netted on his debut to help the Swans beat Stoke at the Vetch Field. Savarese has now scored four times in five starts.

"So-called experts have said that Giovanni can't do this and he can't do that," said Hollins.

"Well, the one thing he can do is score goals. His first against Bristol was a great effort and he was there to finish off the second. He's a predator, a natural goal scorer. That's why we brought him here."

The former San Jose Earthquakes forward has belief in his ability to get goals

"When I see the net I just want to hit the back of it, whether it's from two yards or 30 yards," he said.

"But the most important thing about the Bristol game wasn't the goals I scored but the team's will-to-win.

"Unfortunately we didn't manage to take three points, but after three straight defeats it was vital we didn't lose.

"This team is made for bigger things. Hopefully, from now on we'll show the same determination in every game."

Savarese and Frenchman David Romo, Swansea's recent midfield signing, were recalled to the starting line-up to face Bristol after being relegated to the substitutes' bench against Port Vale.

"I think it is good to get a rest some-times," said Savarese. "Over here clubs play a lot of games in a short space of time, often in heavy conditions which takes a lot out of a player.

"I'm trying to cope with the bad weather, but I just hope it doesn't get any colder."

Savarese will be looking for his first Swansea away goal against Oldham Athletic at Boundary Park today.

Hollins, critical of his team's poor display against Port Vale, made his dis-content known to the players.

"I don't throw cups. You have to take people aside and talk to them. I think the lads knew what was needed and the response was excellent," he said.

"I know what we are capable of when we are committed and get on top of teams as we did against Bristol, who are a good side. Now we've got things going we have to make sure we take something from the Oldham game.

"You could see why Bristol have gone 10 games without defeat.

"I don't want to tempt fate. But if we continue to play as well perhaps we can put together an unbeaten run like we did in the Third Division last season on

Oldham Athletic manager Andy Ritchie has only one player missing through injury as his side prepare to welcome Swansea City to Boundary Park.

Midfield playmaker John Sheridan is still recovering from a knee operation and although the 36-year-old is making good progress he is not ready for a return just yet.

Oldham have shown a recent improvement in form having won three of their last four games and Ritchie will be hoping that can continue.

Their defence has looked increasingly solid of late with the Latics conceding only two goals in their last four games.

Swansea manager John Hollins has no injury concerns as his side aim to return to winning ways when they make the trip to Lancashire.

But the Swans will be without defender Mike Howard as the 21-year-old is serving a one-match suspension following his sending off in the Welsh derby.

The club have also released striker Danny Barwood after a series of injuries and defender Andrew Mumford has joined League of Wales side Haverfordwest on a month's loan.

City have failed to win any of their last five games but Hollins will be hoping Venezuelan international Giovanni Savarese can add to his four goals from five starts to help provide a victory.

Hollins said: "If we play like we did against Bristol City in midweek we'll be alright.

"We are looking forward to the Oldham game and although the weather has been a bit grim and has affected training, we've just had to get on with it."

Swansea City today released young winger Danny Barwood after his Vetch Field contract expired.

As Swansea continued their preparations for tomorrow's long trip to Oldham's Boundary Park, manager John Hollins was breaking the news to the 19-year-old.

"Danny is very unfortunate to be released," confirmed Hollins who admitted it was one of the hardest decisions he's had to make since taking over the managerial hot-seat. "He's been undone by injuries.

"It was a very hard decision to make because when I first came here he was doing very well. He looked sharp and had already played a part in the first team.

"But the groin injury he picked up last year knocked back his progress.

"Although he's fit again following his groin operation, I think he may need a fresh challenge.

"I'm sure he'll do well elsewhere. In fact, he'll probably go off and be a fantastic player for another club, but I've made my decision and good luck to him."

Barwood, capped at under-15, 16 and 18 levels by Wales, joined the Vetch Field staff as an apprentice.

He made such an impression on former manager Alan Cork that he was handed his Football League debut as a 16-year-old substitute against Hull.

Two months later the prolific youth team goalscorer opened his senior account on his first full League appearance as Swansea beat Chester 2-0.

But after bursting onto the senior scene to sign as a first year pro at the start of last season, the Caerphilly-born winger was beset by injuries and forced to take a back-seat.

Hollins reserved his judgment on the Welsh speaker by extending his contract to cover the summer and pre-season period, before giving him another month which expired today.

The Swansea manager has also agreed to loan central defender Andrew Mumford to League of Wales outfit Haverfordwest.

The former Llanelli signing will move to New Bridge Meadow for an initial period of a month.

"It's no reflection on Andrew's first few months here," explained Hollins. "Unfortunately we've got so many players and so few reserve games that you don't always get enough match practice. You lose the edge.

"He wants to be sharpened up again and is more than happy to go. He needs to get back into the meat and drink of the game and I know he'll come back to us a better, sharper player."

Oldham were working flat out today to improve drainage problems at Boundary Park in a desperate bid to save Saturday's Second Division clash with Swansea City.

The north-west club have called in a verti-drain machine after last week's home game with Luton Town was postponed at the last minute because of a late downpour.

The machine will bore 160,000 holes - one inch wide and 12 inches deep - into the pitch and filled with sand to help the drainage.

The north-west forecast for today and tomorrow is far from promising, before improving on Saturday.

"The pitch is going to be heavy, if it gets the go-ahead that is," explained Swansea assistant manager Alan Curtis. "It means it is going to be another battle.

"But everyone is buoyed by the result and, more importantly, the performance against Bristol City on Tuesday.

"Now we've got to strive for consistency because we are still in the wrong half of the table. We feel we've got enough in the camp to do that, but we've got to produce Tuesday's performance week in week out."

Swansea's preparations for Saturday's trip have also been disrupted by the weather.

"It has been difficult trying to find somewhere to train," added Curtis. "We've been using the new astro-turf in Townhill, but we would prefer to train on softer ground.

"We haven't even been able to use the beach because we'll probably be blown out to sea."

Swansea 2 Bristol City 2

Two goals from Venezuelan striker Giovanni Savarese lifted the gloom over Vetch Field last night. John Hollins' side ended their dismal run of three defeats on the trot with a much more promising show. Savo's strikes, one in each half, seemed to have given them victory until a cruel own goal by Jason Smith.

Kick-off was delayed 15 minutes following minor crowd trouble and travel problems along the M4 for the visitors 1,000 fans. When the game finally got under way Hollins unveiled two changes the 1-0 horror defeat at home to Port Vale on Saturday with Savarese and Frenchman David Romo both recalled.

But it was Bristol, with a nine game unbeaten run to protect, who made the livelier start. Swansea weathered the brief storm and nearly snatched an eighth minute lead when Bristol skipper Micky Bell neatly planted a Lee Jenkins cross beyond his own goalkeeper.

But Swans only had to wait another minute to start their celebrations with their first goal in three games as Nick Cusack found Savarese in space on the right.

As Bristol waited for the cross, the Venezuelan unleashed a fierce shot into the far corner for his third goal since arriving from America less than three weeks ago. It gave Swansea a huge confident boost and Stuart Roberts found Jason Price at the far post only for goal-keeper Steve Phillips to deny him with a good save.

Price came close again in the 21st minute as he picked up a pass from Steve Watkin but put his shot inches wide of the top comer. But Price nearly became the villain a minute later when he gift- ed Bell a golden opportunity which produced a fine save from Wales keeper Roger Freestone. Bristol midfielder Joe Burnell found himself in the referee's note- book on the half hour after a crunching challenge which left Roberts sprawled on the touch-line.

By that time Swansea were start- ing to lose the initiative as they drifted further back into defence. It allowed Bristol to snatch a 35th minute equaliser. Brian Tinnion picked out Lee Peacock unmarked in a crowded area and the £600,000 buy from Manchester City put his header beyond Freestone.

Jenkins joined Bumell on a yellow card in the 38th minute as the Swansea midfielder committed one foul too many in a game Liverpool referee George Cain had little control over. Bristol thought they had snatched the lead on the hour but Clist's headed was ruled off-side. Challenge Swansea, relieved at the let-off, were ahead for the second time in the 64th minute.

Watkin sent Price clear, he skipped over the challenge of Louis -Carey and as the ball rolled towards an empty net Savarese tapped home from two yards. Tempers flared soon after when Scott Murray caught Roberts off the ball in another incident the referee totally missed.

Savarese came within inches of completing his hat-trick in the 71st minute only for Phillips to deny him with a brave save. It was a crucial save and Bristol came storming back to snatch a 73rd minute equaliser. Matthew Hill was given far too much room on the left to deliver a dangerous cross to the front post which central defender Jason Smith deflected past his own keeper.

Bristol City manager Danny Wilson left Vetch Field singing the praises of a Swansea side who managed to put a stop to their three game winning streak.

While the former Northern Ireland international, Sheffield Wednesday and Barnsley boss was disappointed not to extend his winning sequence to four games, Wilson was delighted to escape with a point.

"That's probably the best point we'll get away from home this season," declared Wilson whose in-form side have now gone 10 games unbeaten.

"I thought we showed a lot of character. To come to a place like Swansea on a night like it was and pick up a point against a team very much fired up after their defeat on Saturday is terrific.

"We went behind on two occasions, yet we never gave up and instead came storming back. That's the sign of a very committed team who don't know when they are beaten."

Wilson felt his side deserved a share of the spoils despite the fact that their equaliser came from the boot of Swansea defender Jason Smith.

"I think Tony Thorpe will try and claim it," added Wilson. "And I hope he gets it.

"But I think the referee will put it down to an own goal."

Police admit they got it wrong as fans go on rampage.

Riot squads from all over South Wales were rushed to Swansea last night after rampaging soccer fans caught police on the hop.

Today a senior officer admitted after a night of mayhem before and after the Division Two match between Swansea City and Bristol City: "We got it wrong and there will be a major investigation how it happened.

Trouble erupted soon after 5-30pm when a gang of up to 200 Bristol supporters who had infiltrated Swansea city centre without wearing their club's red and white colours attacked The Potters Wheel pub.

A night of violence followed with incidents before the match - which was delay for 15 minutes because of the trouble - near the Glamorgan Arms and Garibaldi pubs, in Oystermouth Road, and in Argyle Street at the back of the Vetch ground.

At least five officers were hurt in a number of incidents throughout the evening.

After the match a police dog called Major was hurt. Today a vet was examining the dog to see if it had been permanently blinded. The handler of another dog, Constable John Hughes was also injured.

Chief Inspector Mike Brook, head of operations, said: "A dog handler was injured and the hooligans were deliberately aiming missiles at the heads of the animals.

"Major is a much-commended dog and he is being operated on today but the vets fear he will lose the sight of at least one eye."

Terrified motorists in Oystermouth Road were trapped in violent stone throwing incidents and a bus from Bristol had its windows smashed and tyres slashed after the game.

Police said today a special inquiry team was being set up to probe the night of "violent disorder" and vowed that although no arrests were made last night, retrospective action would be taken as thugs were identified.

Superintendent David Jenkins, head of police at Swansea Central, said, "All the indications were that we were going to have a peaceful match. We accept we got it wrong and there will be a major inquiry."

A special team under the direction of Detective Chief Inspector Tim Jones, head of Swansea CID, has been set up to investigate the disturbances.

Mr Jenkins said: "All the indications were that there would be no prominent troublemakers and we expected families to attend the game.

"As early as 5.30pm it was evident that an element of Bristol City support had come with the intention of causing trouble.

"There was an incident at The Potters Wheel and from then on there was serious disorder in the city centre with people intent on causing violence with the Swansea fans who reacted to them."

He said that after the match dispersing the Bristol fans was a major problem. He said there had been no arrests, the main strategy had been to maintain public order."

Mr Jones blamed Swansea City hooligans for the trouble after the game, which ended in a 2-2 draw.

"We took the brunt of violence after the match. Large groups throwing stones were defying public order. Swansea hooligans were fighting running battles with police," he said.

"There was violent confrontation with police lines. Our main concerns were for public safety."

VENEZUELAN international Giovanni Savarese treated fans to a goal in each half to twice give Swansea the lead at the Vetch Field last night.

In-form Bristol battled back to extend their unbeaten run to 10 matches but at least the Swans avoided the Hallowe'en horror of suffering a fourth successive defeat.

Police had to drive back visiting fans hurling stones, cans and other missiles in the roads around the ground and the kick-off was delayed for 15 minutes.

Under orders from manager John Hollins to play with more pride and passion after Saturday's dismal display against Port Vale, Swansea set a quick tempo at the start although some of their short passing movements came to grief in muddy areas of the pitch.

Hollins restored recent signings David Romo and Savarese to the starting line-up in place of Kris O'Leary and Martin Thomas.

Captain Nick Cusack reverted from the striker's role to his usual midfield duties and looked much more comfortable, while Frenchman Romo threaded accurate early passes to Steve Watkin.

When Lee Jenkins whipped in a low cross, Bristol captain Micky Bell would have put through his own goal trying to intercept if 'keeper Steve Phillips hadn't been positioned to block the ball more by luck than judgment.

But with the Bristol defence in disarray, Romo slipped a pass for Savarese to slant a low first-time drive beyond the reach of the goalkeeper.

Phillips had to make an urgent save to prevent Jason Price doubling Swansea's lead in the 18th minute with a close-range header from a Stuart Roberts's cross after the visitors were caught out by a quickly-taken Cusack free kick.

Having failed to produce a worthwhile goal attempt on Saturday, the Swans were ready to shoot on sight, Price firing wide from 25 yards, but Bristol forced their way back into the game aided by unforced defensive errors. When Price lost possession, Roger Freestone had to make a quality save from Bell and Lee Peacock was off target from a cross by Scott Murray.

Slack marking allowed the visitors to draw level in the 35th minute, defender Louis Carey converting Brian Tinnion's corner with a free header to celebrate his first goal in five years with the club.

A mistake by Matthew Bound plunged the Swans into more difficulty. Jason Smith made desperate but vain attempts to clear the danger but fortunately Bell's effort cleared the bar.

Bristol fans behind the Swansea goal went wild as Simon Clist headed in when Freestone could only parry Murray's cross but their celebrations were short-lived because Murray was ruled offside.

Savarese restored his side's lead in the 65th minute. Price surged through on the right and beat the advancing 'keeper.

The ball looked like it would stop short in the goalmouth mud, but Savarese followed up to make sure.

However, Swansea's hopes of registering their first win in five games faded eight minutes later when defender Smith turned Matthew Hill's near-post cross past goalkeeper Freestone for an own goal to level the scores.

Swansea 2 Bristol City 2

STRUGGLING Swansea twice surrendered the lead but took a point to end a run of three defeats. Giovani Savarese put the Swans in front on nine minutes and again on 65 minutes.

But a header from Louis Carey and a late own-goal by Jason Smith brought Bristol City level.

Swansea City boss John Hollins delivered a clear message to his squad today as they prepared for the visit of Bristol City to Vetch Field.

"We are all in it together," declared the boss. "We got ourselves into this position and we are the only ones who can get ourselves out."

It was a theme which featured heavily in a special 30-minute meeting Hollins called yesterday for the squad that crashed so disappointingly against Port Vale on Saturday.

"Team spirit has always been a vital ingredient of this squad, especially last season," he added.

"But it does take a kick when you start to lose games.

"We were open and frank in our discussion about Saturday's game and I was pleased with the response I got.

"Now they have got to find something within themselves.

"As players they have all improved since I've been here, but they've got to ask themselves whether they want to take that improvement to another level.

"If they do then things will turn out okay in the end.

"Remember, we were in a similar position this time last year and we managed to turn it around.

"And, having bounced back before, we can bounce back again."

Goalkeeper Roger Freestone will be out to exorcise Swansea City's nightmare run tonight as Bristol City look to inflict further Halloween horrors at Vetch Field (7.45).

The Welsh international goalkeeper remained adamant today that his side can bounce back from three straight defeats and consolidate themselves in mid-table.

"You don't win a championship one year and become a bad team the next, especially with the same players," declared Freestone.

"Yes, we've lost three on the trot, but that it is not the end of the world.

"We've stepped up a division and it is still a learning process. The manager has plenty of confidence in us and vise-versa. We are all behind him and determined to turn the corner."

Freestone has found himself in the strange position of picking the ball out of the Swansea net regularly this season after keeping 22 clean sheets last term.

He even had the indignity of retrieving the ball five times at Reading and four at Rotherham.

"Nobody can argue with the fact that we are not playing well at the moment," added the 32-year-old.

"We are conceding at one end and not scoring at the other which is the recipe for disaster. But it's early days yet and we've just got to make sure we don't let it become a habit.

"We proved against Stoke that we are a good team. Now we've got to pull our socks up and work twice as hard to get there again.

"We were in a similar position this time last season and we turned it around. Teams are not going to come here and roll over and die, but even if we play poorly in our next few games we've got to make sure we get the results," demanded Freestone.

Swansea boss John Hollins is expected to ring the changes tonight with Jamaican international Walter Boyd coming back into the frame.

The Reggae Boy has not played since the 2-0 home defeat by Bury four weeks ago after picking up a hamstring injury.

Boyd will have a fitness test before Hollins confirms his team, but the Swansea manager is hoping he is dealt another hand up front.

"Providing he is 100 per cent fit, he will provide us with that added dimension we have been missing," explained Hollins. "We have got to create a lot more around the box to give ourselves the opportunity of sticking the ball in the back of the net.

"I wouldn't mind so much if we were creating them and missing them, but we are not even doing that.

"Instead, we are leaving ourselves open to the sucker punch at the other end."

Hollins knows it is a game Swansea can ill-afford to lose, adding: "It's important, in fact vital, we get something."

In-form Bristol, looking to extend their unbeaten run to 10 games with their fourth straight victory, are expecting 900 fans to make the trip down the M4 .

JOHN HOLLINS is looking to his Swansea City side to end a bleak October on a winning note in tonight’s rearranged Second Division match against Bristol City at the Vetch Field.

The Swans have plummeted precariously close to the relegation zone after three defeats in eight days.

But manager Hollins pointed out, “We were in a similar situation last October.

“When we lost to Mansfield and Torquay and drew with Exeter City some people thought we had the whole world on our shoulders.

“But in November we began a 13-match unbeaten run which took us to the top of the table and we finished champions.

“Of course losing three in a row is disappointing. But these things happen to the best teams in the world.

“It’s how you bounce back that matters. We have to make sure we pull our fingers out.”

Unable to train at the Vetch or on the training ground after torrential weekend rain, Hollins and his players had a lengthy heart-to-heart meeting yesterday.

“We talked about things. It gave people time to think about what we should be doing, what we want to do and how we are going to do it,” he said.

“We won the league by being consistent and hard to beat. When we scored, opposing teams knew they were up against it because we defended so well.

“Now teams are doing to us what we did to them, so it’s our turn to respond.

“We got out of the Third Division playing a certain way.

“We have tried to adapt to the higher standard by changing things a bit, perhaps playing a little too much football at times.

“Confidence may have been dented by recent results. But now we’ll find out what the players are made of.

“Things started to turn this time last year. It’s not as easy as just saying that, though.

“We have to put in a lot of hard work and keep believing in ourselves.

“Sometimes you’ll do everything wrong. But I would rather a player do that than not do anything at all.”

Long-term injuries to first-team players Steve Jones, Jonathan Coates, Damien Lacey and Richard Appleby have weakened the squad.

But Jamaican international Walter Boyd, last season’s joint top scorer, is poised for a recall after missing four games with a hamstring strain.

And 19-year-old Swansea-born defender Lee De-Vulgt could make his full league debut.

Hollins hinted at a shake-up after Saturday’s 1-0 home defeat to Port Vale - arguably the worst performance since he took charge two-and-a-half years ago.

“Maybe this is an opportunity to bring in one of our bright youngsters. I know what I’m going to do.

“It’s a big game and the situation could be so different if we get three points.”

Bristol will be buoyant after a 2-l weekend win at Wycombe stretched their unbeaten run to nine matches, but manager Danny Wilson has prepared his players for a Swansea backlash, he said.

Meanwhile, Bradford striker Stan Collymore looks almost certain to escape another FA disrepute charge following Sunday’s 1-1 Yorkshire derby draw with Leeds.

Collymore crowned his Bantams debut by scoring a contender for goal of the season only to then foolishly celebrate in front of the Leeds supporters.

The 29-year-old had been barracked by the United fans before his goal, but his response - with FA compliance officer Graham Bean in attendance - almost sparked a riot.

Some supporters were angered by Collymore’s actions and had to be restrained by stewards and police.

Swansea City boss John Hollins has threatened to wield the axe for the first time during his Vetch Field reign.

Hollins was furious with his side's passionless performance against Port Vale as they suffered their third consecutive defeat for the first time since the Swansea manager took over nearly two and a half years ago.

"It's going to be a challenge from now on and I hope the boys are up for it," declared Hollins. "If they are then we'll get over it quickly. If they are not, then we've got a lot of things to decide.

"If they want to be professional footballers then they've got to have backbone and bottle. I was not happy with the effort one little bit.

"We needed to excite the crowd, but they never even excited me. I can understand how the crowd felt because I went home disappointed as well. You can't just go out there and stand about and hope it's going to work. You have to make your own impact on the game.

"Bristol City will be a severe test tomorrow to what we are made of. If we haven't got what it takes then I'll have to think again.

"There are young players at this club who have been waiting a while for their chance. Well, their opportunity could come a lot quicker than they think."

Hollins kept his players locked away in the dressing room for nearly an hour after the 1-0 defeat before they emerged in silent mode.

"We didn't deserve anything against Port Vale," added Hollins, "but we better deserve something tomorrow night."

Hollins could ring the changes after leaving new signings Giovanni Savarese and David Romo on the substitutes' bench.

"I put them there to see what was needed," explained Hollins who could have Walter Boyd (hamstring) available against Bristol.

"They have had four high tempo games in a short space of time and I felt they needed a breather to get back into it."

But there will definitely be no Jonathan Coates. The midfielder underwent surgery today on a knee ligament injury that specialists reckon will keep him out for three to four months.

It proved a miserable weekend for Swansea as their Youth team crashed 5-2 at home to rivals Cardiff City.

Meanwhile, Swansea were handed a trip to fellow Second Division outfit Bournemouth in the first round of the FA Cup on Saturday, November 18.

SWANSEA CITY slumped to their third successive defeat as lowly Port Vale, without an away win since last November, deservedly claimed the points to Michael Cummins first half effort.

Not even the second half introduction of David Romo and Giovanni Savarese, who both began the match on the bench, could spark any life into a jaded Swansea side.

Vale began the match with just two goals to show from their last six away games but it took them only 18 minutes to improve that tally.

Marc Bridge-Wilkinson made ground down the left and when Swans goalkeeper Roger Freestone was unable to intercept the cross the ball fell nicely for Cummins to tap home at the far post.

Swansea had claims for a penalty turned down when Cusack fell under Michael Walsh's challenge. The Swans showed a touch more urgency after the break but Stuart Roberts ended a strong run through the middle with a poorly hit shot.

Vale looked the more likely to find the net and they almost doubled their lead on 61 minutes when Freestone could only parry a shot from Bridge-Wilkinson.

Swans manager John Hollins gambled when he brought on striker Savarese for centre-back Jason Smith after 73 minutes. Not only was Savarese unable to make much impression but the Swans were left exposed and Freestone saved well from Tony Naylor before Brammer struck the post from 15 yards out with seven minutes remaining.

SWANSEA 0 PORT VALE 1
SWANSEA CITY slumped to their third successive defeat as lowly Port Vale, without an away win since last November, deservedly claimed the points to Michael Cummins first half effort.

Not even the second half introduction of David Romo and Giovanni Savarese, who both began the match on the bench, could spark any life into a jaded Swansea side.

Vale began the match with just two goals to show from their last six away games but it took them only 18 minutes to improve that tally.

Marc Bridge-Wilkinson made ground down the left and when Swans goalkeeper Roger Freestone was unable to intercept the cross the ball fell nicely for Cummins to tap home at the far post.

Swansea had claims for a penalty turned down when Cusack fell under Michael Walsh's challenge. The Swans showed a touch more urgency after the break but Stuart Roberts ended a strong run through the middle with a poorly hit shot.

Vale looked the more likely to find the net and they almost doubled their lead on 61 minutes when Freestone could only parry a shot from Bridge-Wilkinson.

Swans manager John Hollins gambled when he brought on striker Savarese for centre-back Jason Smith after 73 minutes. Not only was Savarese unable to make much impression but the Swans were left exposed and Freestone saved well from Tony Naylor before Brammer struck the post from 15 yards out with seven minutes remaining.

VALE claimed their first win on the road in 11 months with a Michael Cummins strike. He slid in at the far post to meet a Bridge-Wilkinson cross for the first-half winner.

Swansea keeper Freestone was a busy man and stopped a Bridge-Wilkinson effort. When he was beaten by Viljanen in the second half, Bound headed off the line.

Vale should have wrapped it up with minutes left, but somehow Brammer fired against the post.