Planet Swans ArchivesREPORT – The Observer
Few should be more sceptical about the benefits of an FA Cup run than Owen Coyle. Bolton Wanderers’ 5-0 semi-final evisceration by Stoke City in April preceded a harrowing run that spanned the majority of 2011. And yet, in a meeting of two clubs whose priority is Premier League survival, Bolton displayed a greater appetite for progress than Swansea City and were rewarded with a third successive home victory.
Contrasting approaches were apparent, as Brendan Rodgers made 10 changes to Coyle’s three. One of the Bolton newcomers, however, was to play a pivotal part. Darren Pratley spent five years in Wales before opting for Bolton instead of Swansea in the summer. For much of the subsequent time, it appeared a dreadful decision. Rather than being lauded for progressive passing, he has failed to command a place in a losing Bolton team.
But a reunion had a restorative effect. Pratley’s equaliser, which was followed by Chris Eagles’s winner, meant he belatedly opened his Bolton account. Having forged a reputation as a goalscoring midfielder at the Liberty Stadium, he could have had a hat-trick against his old employers.
Separated by eight months, some 250 miles and around 50 yards on the pitch, Pratley’s last two goals could scarcely be more different. The common denominator is Swansea. Having scored from his own half for the Welsh, he struck against them from six yards, heading in Martin Petrov’s free-kick.
The potency of the Bulgarian’s left foot was evident again when Eagles scored what proved the winner. Gerhard Tremmel spilled the winger’s shot. Eagles spun to convert the rebound.
Culpable then, Swansea’s second-string keeper had saved his side with first-half saves from David Ngog and Mark Davies. He was beaten twice more by Pratley, however, when the midfielder headed Petrov’s cross against the bar and intercepted Ashley Richards’s misjudged back-pass and shot narrowly wide.
Swansea had led. After the offside Wayne Routledge had put the ball in the Bolton net, they scored a legitimate goal. Luke Moore met Leroy Lita’s flick. A blend of pace and power took him past David Wheater, and a composed finish defeated Adam Bogdan. When they trailed, Rodgers sent for his regulars and they were inches from equalising. Danny Graham, who scored at both ends when they met in October, struck the post.
