Rob DaviesSwansea City failed to restore some pride after the midweek horror show against Fulham as they went down 1-0 thanks to a goal from Gary Madine by the seaside in Blackpool.
In a tepid display, the game was decided by the less than prolific Madine within the first five minutes, the striker having all the space in the world to nod in from a corner kick.
Perhaps the goal could have been disallowed due to a foul against Kyle Naughton but what can’t be denied is that this was yet another dour away day with spirit and quality severely lacking.
Cyrus Christie had the best chance in the second half but failed to beat the goalkeeper in an otherwise soft display that we’ve all become too accustomed to this season.
The season seems to be petering out to somewhat of a whimper in stark contrast to the rallying cries issued by Russell Martin who is keen to ensure that the performances improve to build for next season.
Three players were back available today in Nathanael Ogbeta, Hannes Wolf and Cyrus Christie although only the latter made the starting eleven.
The line up looked on paper to be a 4-3-3 although with Martin’s way of playing it could adapt to any variation ranging from a 4 at the back to a 3 or a 5.
Fisher
Christie – Naughton – Cabango – Smith
Ntcham – Downes – Grimes
Piroe – Obafemi – Paterson
Let’s not go too far into detail on what happened in the opening exchanges, Swansea yet again got caught cold on a Saturday away from home as they did at Sheffield United and many others this season and conceded from the first attack.
Blackpool won a corner which was whipped in allowing Madine – once signed for ยฃ6m by Cardiff City – to head home for what turned out to be the winner with more than a little help from the generous defending from the Swans defence.
Naughton looked to be fouled but the complaints were waved away much like those against the dismissal of Ryan Manning on Tuesday night and much like then, the Swans failed to show the character needed to get a result.
The home side’s intensity was admirable and it was catching Martin’s team out time and time again – during the first half Blackpool probably should have scored another goal to justify the control they had on the game.
Martin’s post match comments contradicted that view of the game but generally having huge amounts of possession with the penetration of last night’s left overs does not equal a dominant performance. This was not dominant, this was dour.
The sight of Cabango, Downes, Grimes and Naughton passing to each other in a 3-0 up type fashion is not pleasant for anyone and bores not just your own fans but those supporting the opposition.
Perhaps the players aren’t aware that they have failed to win away from home on a Saturday throughout this season or that the are supposed to be playing for their futures? Or perhaps they’ve just given up, who knows?
The first half could certainly be described as the latter without Swansea creating a significant chance and the momentum gained from back to back wins against West Brom and Coventry seemed oh so long ago.
In truth Blackpool should have scored another one or two before Swansea seemed to realise they should try and score with the likes of Lavery, Bowler and Madine coming close for the home side.
Indeed Bowler really should have made it two with chances either side of the break but failed to beat Andy Fisher (not that they were great saves either mind you).
Perhaps the only encouragement of the afternoon came with the introduction of Ogbeta who added pace and directness ln the left side on his debut which coincided with the only time during the match that Swansea looked like they might create something to get out of jail.
Might being the key word there as there really wasn’t enough to significantly worry Blackpool as they comfortably saw out the rest of the game allowing Martin’s team to have the ball in defence knowing it won’t hurt them. In truth it only hurt themselves by wasting precious time.
Cameron Congreve also made his debut in the dying minutes so congratulations to him.
But this was to be yet another misery on the road to make it 3 points out of 33 on a Saturday overall, no wins on the road on a Saturday this season and a long fruitless trip home for the strong away following.
Those stats tell you everything you need to know and I’m afraid I’m unable to summarise the match as a whole as I don’t know where to begin with the frustration of the seemingly mounting issues we have at the club. But it all starts and ends with the manager I’m afraid.
Oh we do like to be beside the seaside… Or maybe not.
MATCH FACTS AND LINE UPS
OTHER CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS
LATEST TABLE
NEXT UP FOR THE SWANS
