Phil SumblerThe Swans Under-23’s team was beaten at Watford earlier today by a 2-0 scoreline. First-half goals from Maurizio Pochettino and Phoenix Patterson settled the contest in favour of the hosts, whose squad boasted several professionals with senior experience under their belts.
It was a first defeat in five games for the young side but they can come out of the encounter with much positivity despite the scoreline especially when you factor in the experience that was in our hosts line-up.
Kris O’Leary made two changes to the side that drew with Ipswich Town at Landore on Monday.
Jamie Searle replaced Josh Gould in goal, while Scott Butler came into the heart of defence with Brandon Cooper returning to the first-team environment.
The Swans fell behind in the eighth minute in Hertfordshire after failing to deal with a corner and enabling Pochettino – son of Paris Saint-Germain boss Mauricio – to open the scoring.
Another set-piece did the damage just before half-time, with Patterson doubling the lead following a well-worked free-kick.
Watford were reduced to 10 men late on in the game when Spencer Adams was shown a straight red card in stoppage time for a challenge on Lloyd.
Swans U23s: Jamie Searle; Harry Jones, Jake Thomas, Scott Butler, Cian Williams; Daniel Williams, Ryan Bevan, Cameron Congreve (Ben Lloyd, 80); Morgan Clarke (Jordi Govea, 50), Ali Al-Hamadi, Rio Campbell.
Subs not used: Josh Hutchings, Ryan Bassett, Jacob Edwards.
