Planet Swans ArchivesTHREE first-half goals saw Swansea City brush aside an abject Caernarfon Town last night to seal their place in the semi-final of the FAW Premier Cup.
Strikes from the Swans’ two third-choice 18-year-old forwards Chad Bond and Mark Pritchard and an own goal from Caernarfon defender Mark Hobson gave Kenny Jackett’s men a commanding first-half lead.
Welsh Premier side Caernarfon were unable to shake off the league form that saw them concede 12 goals in consecutive defeats to TNS and Aberystwyth Town before shipping another five last night.
Despite Cardiff City’s embarrassment at Bangor on Tuesday Jackett was happy to use the quarter-final to give his squad players a run-out at The Oval.
But inside the opening minute Jackett’s decision proved a good one as Bond took advantage of a slip by Caernarfon defender Mark Evans to slot home the first from 18 yards.
Just before the 20-minute mark Pritchard beat his man down the right, but saw a threatening cross smothered away by the Canaries’ rearguard. Pritchard almost netted the second after linking up with midfielder Brad Maylett, but the striker’s effort was blocked by goalkeeper David Walsh.
The inevitable second came on 24 minutes when Hobson’s attempted clearance from Pritchard’s corner ended up in his own net.
The home fans had to wait 32 minutes to see their team pose any real threat when Osian Jones volleyed over from 20 yards after Marcus Orlik had crossed from the right.
But just seven minutes later Pritchard made it three when he waltzed through the Caernarfon defence unchallenged before tucking away the third after seeing his initial effort blocked by Walsh.
In the closing stages of the first half Swansea defender Alan Tate saw a drive bounce back off the bar and Pritchard had another shot blocked by Walsh.
Just seven minutes after the restart Swansea defender Igah Anderson added a fourth after Maylett had delivered a perfect lay-off from the byline.
On 65 minutes Pritchard grabbed his second and the Swans’ fifth when he fired home from the edge of the box after being played in by substitute Andy Robinson.
