Planet Swans ArchivesWell today was a complete contrast to our last away game at Shrewsbury. A very low crowd of 2680 included approx 300 following the Swans. With the return of Martinez & O’Leary from one match suspensions the 4-4-2 line up was Gueret Gurney, Tate, Austin and Ricketts Forbes, Martinez, O’Leary and Goodfellow Trundle and Connor Subs Murphy, Iriekpen, Nugent, Anderson and Pritchard.
The few minutes started off at frantic pace with both teams unable to hold onto the ball with wayward passes the name of the game. First touch and control was lacking as both teams were trying to get the upper hand. The game then settled into a lacklustre affair with very little in the way of good football, most moves falling over before threatening either keeper. We had to wait for 25mins before the match woke up. Trundle cut across from the right of the penalty area across towards the left. Seemingly being ushered away turned in a looping shot that cleared keeper Spencer only to see the ball rebound off the bar. Forbes following in could not get a shot in as the ball went for a corner which came to nothing. Within a few minutes we had our own scare as Barlow who had earlier replaced the injured top scorer Feeney was through on a one to one with Gueret. Gueret stood his ground and managed to block the shot which was then cleared by the defence. For the rest of the half the Swans looked comfortable without threatening with Stockport having the better of half chances. Goodwin had been booked for an early late tackle and O’Leary also saw a yellow which was not warranted.
The second half saw ex Swans loan keeper Cutler replace Spencer in goal. It was Stockport who upped their game but again chances were few and far between.
On the hour Stockport were dominant with three attempts on goal. The last one being a header from Barlow that had goal written all over it until a dive from Gueret saw him tip it around the post.
At this point Stockport were bossing midfield and were looking the more likely team to break the deadlock. The Swans took the sting out of the game and for the next 15mins it was more and more pressure from the Swans as the game opened up as players tired. More of the game was now being played in the Stockport half but chances were being kept to long range. Martinez having 2 shots but neither troubling Cutler. Trundle twice put crosses across the six yard the second with slightly too much force, not giving anyone a chance to react. At this stage it looked like the Swans could wrap the game up, but the final 5mins saw the game settle for a 0-0 although a heart stopping moment as we went into time added on when Ricketts slice cleared a ball into the six yard box for a corner
Player Comments Gueret – Save as always but a couple of wayward kicks. Gurney – Not one of his best being caught for pace. Tate – A solid performance, but on a couple of occasions wanted the extra second. Austin – Again Mr Dependable. Ricketts – Overall a good game but caught out of position a couple of times.
Forbes – Again most of his better work was in defending although did close down defenders clearances setting up attacks, but did not have the skill to turn them into chances. Martinez. – The playmaker, played a captains role but not much going forward. O’Leary – Good to have his presence back in midfield, some good tackles. Goodfellow. – A good game hopefully will offer more when match fit. Good crosser. Connor – Battled well but as a striker not offering much on goal. Won some flicks. Trundle – Again saw both sided today. Can turn a game but also overplaying when a simple pass was a better option. No subs used. Overall thoughts. For most of the time the game was played at a low tempo, with a few periods of faster football. Stockport looked a team that are very low on confidence but did pass the ball well in midfield. If we could have raised our game the tie was there to win at the first attempt. It did seem that we were more intent today with keeping our discipline and not losing after our 2 defeats in the league than taking the game by the scruff of the neck. We sat back on many occasions allowing Stockport control. This allowed them to grow in confidence for that early second half spell. A better team would have put us out. The good news is that we live to fight another day, but our lack of killer instinct in front of goal is becoming more and more evident.
REPORT: CLIVE, GARETH AND DAVID HUGHES
