Planet Swans Archiveswalesonline.co.uk
LEE TRUNDLE made his farewell to Swansea fans as a Bristol City player, but it was goalkeeper Dorus de Vries that was the hero here.
The Dutch stopper made three vital saves to help a sub-standard Swansea to a point at Ashton Gate that left Roberto Martinez’s men still off the play-off place.
But Bristol, who had Trundle come on as sub against his former side with 19 minutes to go, also had to thank their goalkeeper for their share of the spoils as Brazilian Adriano Basso made two superb stops of his own.
A sluggish start from Swansea saw the Robins start the brighter and De Vries made his first crucial stop on 15 minutes when Michael McIndoe shot.
And although Swansea went close with a couple of half chances, it was de Vries again in action when he pulled off an incredible save on 29 minutes when McIndoe’s free-kick was flicked goalwards by sub Alan Tate with a little help from Louis Carey.
Then on 57 minutes Ashley Williams had to clear off the line as McIndoe’s cross caused panic and Stern John rose highest at the far post.
But in a strong Swans’ finish, Jordi Gomez flashed a free-kick wide before Basso saved brilliantly from Darren Pratley before doing the same from Gorka Pintado.
Yet de Vries had to stand tall once more in the closing stages as John was once again given space to head goalwards in the Swansea area.
Bristol City: Basso, Brian Wilson, Carey, McCombe, Fontaine, Sproule (Williams 84), Elliott, Skuse, McIndoe, Maynard (Trundle 71), John.
Booked: McIndoe, Carey, Maynard.
Swansea City: De Vries, Rangel, Monk, Williams, Bessone (Tate 28), Butler (Allen 88), Tudur-Jones, Pratley, Gower (Pintado 60), Gomez, Scotland.
Booked: Williams, Gomez, Butler.
Attendance: 16,405
Ref: Lee Mason (Lancashire).
