Swansea 3 Blackpool 2

Trundle’s part in the Swans winner is no doubt probably still being debated in the Blackpool dressing room and their protests were long and loud after the decision was given but a great advert for why all sides should always play to the whistle rather than assuming decisions will be given. But more about that later

On the back of a 7 match unbeaten run, expectations were high around White Rock that the Swans would maintain the September momentum into October and whilst Kenny Jackett may not pick up the manager of the month award no-one could deny Swansea the title of the division’s entertainers with this afternoon’s serving taking the goal tally for the season into the thirties and we are only just about a quarter of the way through.

Jackett sent out an unchanged side from that which started in midweek against Bournemouth

Willy

Tatey Izzy Kev Sam

Leon Robbie Bean Macca

Bayo Trunds

Subs: Murphy, KOL, Monk, Robbo, Freezer

I would say that Swansea controlled the first half for pretty much all the 45 minutes but really it was Trundle after 22 minutes that showed the first touch of brilliance and the first real effort on goal. There seemed little danger when he got the ball on the right hand side of the area but it was instinctive to him to hit it left footed and off the underside of the bar and in. The Swans were ahead and was it to be the moment that unlocked what had seemed a nervy start despite the lion’s share of possession.

The simple answer to that was no. We conceded cheap possession through loose control of the ball and never really threatened to double that lead bat a powerful Trundle shot saved by the keeper when the ball across the area was the right thing to do. With ten minutes of the half left when the flag stayed down and Parker burst clear to shot under Willy and into the back of the net. Undeserved but sloppy defending from our part didn’t help it.

The Swans though were back in front before half time when Bayo finally found the net again after being played in by Trundle he was on target in a 1 on 1 situation.

2-1 at half time and it would be enough to maintain a place at the top. It should have been 3-1 when Bayo missed from six yards midway through the second half and that looked as if it may have been costly when Donnelly headed in across just three minutes later. Somehow, a game we were controlling was at 2-2 with just 20 minutes left.

Robinson was introduced for Bean and immediately we looked more threatening going towards goal but the goal came in very bizarre circumstances.

Leon and Trundle broke free against a retreating defender. Leon played the ball into Trundle and the linseman raised the flag. However, Trundle and the referee both were fully aware of the ruling that offside is not given until the guilty party touches the ball. Trundle elected not to touch it but merely to shield it towards the goal. As Blackpool sat back the ball trickled and trickled towards the goal until it was too late for them to react and the goal line had been crossed. A quick check with the linesman and the goal was given and no matter how much they protest there can be no arguments – the goal was legitimate and the decision taken within the rules. Play to the whistle is the only thing to say to them.

Swansea pretty much played out the remaining time with little ease to get another three points and maintain a position along with Southend, two points ahead of the rest of the field.

It’s 8 unbeaten for the Swans, 14 consecutive scoring games in the league, 16 in all competitions. Great times to be a Swans fan – long may they continue!