myswans.co.uk
Shaun MacDonald struck his first goals in senior football as Swansea City chalked up only a second Carling Cup win in nine years last night.
The 20-year-old Swansea product was handed a first start in 20 months by boss Roberto Martinez and responded by netting in each half to stake his claim for much more regular involvement.
Swansea, meantime, will still be involved in the League Cup come the second round for only the second time since 1999.
It was hardly a vintage performance, but MacDonald's goals gave the home side a well-deserved first victory of the new season over a limited Brentford side.
Match facts:
Swansea City 2
MacDonald 31, 69
de Vries, Tate (capt), Serran, Lawrence, Bessone (Rangel 60), MacDonald, Tudur Jones, Gomez, Orlandi, Brandy (Pratley 71), Scotland (Bauza 79). Subs not used: A Williams, O'Leary, Allen, Gower.
Brentford 0
Hamer, Newton (capt), Wilson, Bennett, Johnson, M Williams, Bean, O'Connor, Pead, Poole, Elder (Ademola 79). Subs not used: Brown, Ochoa, Franks, Osbourne, Connell.
Referee: Steve Bratt (West Midlands)
Attendance: 5,366
Booked: Johnson 27, Brandy 42, Bean 63, Bennett 88
Sent off: Bean 86 (second booking)
Star choice: Shaun MacDonald.
Jordi Gomez had a strong case, but the ever-improving MacDonald deserves the plaudits on a night when he scored his first Swansea goal – and then got another.
Entertainment value: 3/5 – warmed up after a slow start
Verdict: Roberto Martinez keeps telling us about his squad strength, and the early-season second string notched up a comfortable win here to boost confidence ahead of the next instalment of Swansea's Championship adventure.
This article first appeared on JACKARMY.net.