Oli Grabs Double

Oli Double Gives Swans Opening Win

JACKADS VIEW

1st half Strong team with new signings Forbes, Ricketts, Fisken, Monk and Austin all playing. Half dominated by the Swans but not much in the way of scoring chances, Forbes went close with a couple of headers, a few flashed across goal, think Worcester made it into the box maybe once, possibly. 2nd half Nine substitions, the two that stayed were O’leary who dropped back from midfield to partner Monk in central defence. On came Gueret for Murphy, Dennis Oli and Nugent up front, Martinez joined the midfield etc. Corbisiero went close straight away with a great volley from distance and the keepr made a smart stop from Oli in a one-on-one. Then Worcester scored as a result of some dodgy defending down the left, how many times have we seen this happen, dominate against poor opposition and then fall behind, "its only a friendly" I tell myself but the sense of frustration was undeniably still there, groans from the 200(ish) Jackarmy begin to surface as passes go astray, but enter Dennis Oli, one surging run down the left with a shot that just drifts over. Then he struck a half volley from 25-30 yards into the top corner, an AWESOME goal! Nuge then nodded a second from a clever Corbisiero cross and that man Oli popped up again to tap one in following a good knock down from Nuge. A 3-1 win was well deserved from a match that was essentially a fitness workout, the Swans played some pretty stuff, very little long ball, keepers bowling the ball out to defenders and playing through the midfield was nice to see. My opinions on the new players; Monk (CB) – Looks to be a quality addition to the defence, marshalled the defence well, always talking, funny moment when he gave Tate a roasting for knocking the ball to them when they won a throw in "dont f’ing give it to em Tatey, now youre out of f’ing position" I heard quite clearly. I think we’re always guaranteed 100% from this lad if thats him in a friendly! Ricketts (RB) – Also looking promising, fairly tall and fast, took on his opposite number and got to the by-line a few times looks set to be a very useful defender. Fisken (CM) – Didnt look overly impressive, made a couple of direct forays forward but covered in Jonathan Coates-ness. Forbes (CF) – Going to be a huge crowd favourite, looks like one of the Klumps (Nutty professor) but chases lost causes, good in the air for a small guy and quite pacey. Austin (LB) – Like a brick wall, absolutely huge, dont think anyone will get past him, did however look slow and could be caught out by fast wingers. On trial; Oli – Get this guy in before someone else does, I know its only one friendly match but he was class, scored a sensational goal and a tap in, he’s big, strong, fast and skilfull. Gueret – Could do nothing with the goal not much else to do, needs more time to prove his worth.

CLIVE HUGHES

Whilst I generally agree, and it was the first friendly and against lower opposition. A couple of thoughts Monk did look composed, reading the game well, but lacked a bit of pace. Ricketts did well but had 2 good chances of a shot on goal from the edge of the box but chose to cross to the far post, when not the best option. Fisken did not really get involved. Forbes, not certain, but looks more like a player that we can send on for the last 20mins when defenders are tired. Austin one crunching tackle but looked slow to turn. Oli full of running and very fast. That might not be enough against seasoned defenders. Gueret, never stopped shouting at defenders, good to hear, but maybe suspect at low crosses into the six yard box Not tring to play things down as it’s hard to tell from a friendly but we did what was needed today.

EPHERMAL_BALCONIST

What a goal. Looks worth a contract to me. James Thomas days are numbered. Sam Ricketts looks a good signing, a good attacking full back, some very dangerous crosses, as does Monk. Fisken didnt stand out particularly. Forbes looks a handful and put himself about. Didnt realise he was so short( And yeah he looks like ex-zambian president Kenneth Kaunda but so what) but he made some exceptional tackles. In the second half Maylett looked lively, so did Corbs. But Oli was the pick of the bunch for me. Lively both on and off the ball, held it up well, and layerd it off well with some lovely touches. First goal sensational, second came from being in right place at right time. O’Liabilty was in CM first half and looked solid, secong half he was CB and was responsible for goal from where I sat. Murphy had nothing to do. Kicked well. Willy had no chance with goal and looked athletic. Kevin Austin didnt shinebut took a knock early on. Looks like a man mountain, but Im not sure how much pace he has. We appear to be attacking the far post with crosses when Connor is on pitch, he then nods back, for Forbes. I noticed this happen several times today( AS I said Ricketts supplied some dangerous crosses) All in all it looks promising.

KEITH HAYNES

One of the best pre-season performances I have ever seen. Forbes looked brilliant and long may that continue and great organisation created by the tactics used by Jackett.

Goalkeeping wise not convinced, neither Murphy or Gueret filled me with confidence. Man of the Match was Forbes closely followed by Kris O’leary.

Why not check out the latest Vetch Verdict on the BBC site?