Planet Swans ArchivesTyson’s goal came just three minutes after captain Nick Cusack had beaten Collett in the Darlington goal for the first and the win sent Swansea up 3 places to 18, but just 5 points adrift of a play-off place.
The only change to the side that started the game on Saturday was Ryan Casey in for Lee De Vulgt but Phillips dropped to right wing back to leave Casey in his more accustomed role on the left of midfield.
Freestone
Phillips O’Leary Bound Todd Howard
Coates Cusack Casey
Williams Tyson
Swansea were by far the better side on the night and could have won by a more convincing manner. Tyson in particular was guilty on a few occasions in the first half of shooting straight at the keeper especially early on when faced with a one on one after being played through by Williams.
Darlington were looking quick on the break but unable to carve a decent attempt on goal as Swansea looked a different side from the one beaten at home by Leyton Orient.
Coates, Cusack and Howard all had decent shots at goal as Collett was made to work for his money and Swansea were frequently finding themselves moving the ball around with a degree of style.
But it was a goalless first half and there is always that feeling with Swansea that a different side will come out in the second half. That, though was not to be and it was evident that maybe there was the chance that they realised that they had let themselves down on Saturday and were keen to make amends.
And they soon did, as a Phillips ball played in man of the match Cusack, who hit a low shot which Collett could only parry into the corner of the net to send the first league crowd at the Vetch below 3000 this season into celebration.
Barely had the celebrations died down when Tyson struck with his own Party piece. Ignoring the Linford Christie type Cusack on his right, Tyson cut inside two defenders and hammered a shot that flew past the outstretched left hand of Collett into the net and Swansea were up and running with some style.
Jonathan Coates showed he can take a free kick which skimmed the top of the bar and John Williams hit the post when it was easier to score with a header from a Casey cross as Swansea threatened at times to score several more against a Darlington side which suggested that their league position is as false as some believe that ours is.
But this is Swansea and two top saves from Freestone in one on one situations and a downward header that came up against the bar showed some of the frailties that have haunted the defence at times this season.
In reality it was with some comfort that Swansea held on for the win and three points that if we hadn’t have achieved them would have seen us at the foot of the football league tonight.
This is what was needed and we were not let down tonight by any player, all of whom were led with the style he has shown on and off the pitch in the last few weeks – Nick Cusack, my clear winner of man of the match.
Onwards and Upwards?
