Rob Davies
Think back a couple of months ago when fans began panicking that Swansea City would be dragged into a relegation dogfight after a run of 3 wins in 24 games. Largely despite some decent performances the Swans couldn’t buy a win.
But confidence does strange things and nothing proves that more than this mini run of good form that the team has enjoyed of late. Indeed we’ve played far better and created more chances in defeat than yesterday’s win against Huddersfield.
There are certainly signs of encouragement and moments to reflect on a season that could’ve been much more – highlighted by just a seven point gap between Swansea in 13th and Blackburn in 6th place.
Think of all those damaging last minute goals (Birmingham home and away, Sheffield Utd last minute, Millwall to name a few) and you’d quickly be able to collect those seven or more points in your head. But in our heads rather than the Championship table is where they will remain.
Yesterday’s game was certainly not a spectacle but there was also little to worry the fans from a defensive perspective. Which is not only big progress but calming for the soul after recent times. Indeed three clean sheets on the bounce is no mean feat.
The Swans weren’t at their fluid best but didn’t need to be as Ryan Manning’s deflected goal was sufficient in securing three points in a game against a dogged Neil Warnock team.
There was a single change from the comfortable win at Wigan with Liam Cullen in for fellow Welshman Joe Allen. The main question for me would be where is Liam Walsh? That run of games was fantastic for him but he hasn’t been seen since the 0-0 against Coventry over a week ago.
In reality it was a scruffy game and the first half typified this. Few chances, lots of play in the midfield and Huddersfield looking to disrupt play as much as possible.
Bar a chance at the back post for the visitors it was largely Swansea in control but that wasn’t reflected in the scoreline until after half time.
And as the Swans upped the ante in terms of aggression in the final third it paid off early into the second half as some patient play presented Ryan Mannint with a half chance just inside the box.
His shot wasn’t the best but bounced in off the blocking defender to make it 1-0 as Martin’s men looked to continue their good run.
In truth despite the many substitutions, defensive on the part of Swansea and attacking on the behalf of Huddersfield, not much happened of note thereafter.
The expected onslaught from Warnock’s team didn’t really materialise and possibly the most positive aspect was the way in which the Swans dealt with the game defensively. It was at real ease.
Indeed the fact there was little in the way of a clear cut chance for Warnock despite the loveable oaf’s regular protestations says much about perhaps the team’s growth?
We can only hope!
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