Swansea 2 Bury 3

There was a definite air of optimism around the Swansea tonight, as the 3500 Swans fans made their way to the Vetch. Perhaps this was going to be the start of the long awaited revival which would see us start to claw our way up the table?

Sadly, this optimism was misguided, as Bury hit the back of the net after only 2 minutes. All hope quickly evaporated as the second and third goals went in, and we found ourselves 3-0 down with only 29 minutes played. It was all too much for many of the Vetch field faithful, as they trudged “shell-shocked” towards the exits before the half-time whistle had blown.

Most of the half-time interval was spent in shocked silence, with many trying to come to terms with the pitiful first half performance they had just seen. What would the second-half bring? Many feared the worst, in fact, the very real possibility of a “cricket score” was on the cards. To everyone’s surprise, the Swans started the second-half with the kind of fight and spirit that has been lacking for most of the season. But no team that concedes three goals in the first 30 minutes at home deserves anything from a game and that (sadly) was the way it was going to be. Two goals from Jason Smith lifted the fans spirits, but an appalling Steve Watkin miss, and the waving away of a clear penalty for handball, condemned the Swans to their fifth consecutive League defeat and left them 4 points adrift of safety at the foot of the League.

Try as I might, I can’t find one crumb of comfort in tonight’s performance. The only player who impressed me was John Williams, who caused more problems for the Bury defence in his makeshift right wing position in the second-half than new signing Durkan did in the whole of the first half.

The grit and determination shown in the second-half was commendable. But if being three goals down is what it takes to get us playing with pride and passion, then I have to say that we’re doomed. The “what ifs” and “maybe’s” resulting from this latest defeat are totally irrelevant. The simple fact is that we have now picked up just 3 points out of the last 18 and i’m afraid that on this showing, I can’t see where the next 3 are coming from.