Rob Davies
SwIt could be said the Swans were fortunate to be two goals to the good at half time against Hull City yesterday but the comeback from the Tigers was as predictable as it was disappointing as Duff had to settle for a draw.
The club’s form was mixed before the latest (and thankfully last before Christmas) international break and nothing that we saw yesterday suggested that things were about to improve as the impressive Hull regularly cut through our midfield with ease.
Jamie Paterson netted a classy low opener despite the Tigers having the better of the opening period before Yates followed up a spilled shot to make it two before the interval.
But the loss of Harrison Ashby to injury – whilst not hugely damaging considering the Newcastle player’s form – didn’t help when dealing with Jaden Philogene and it was that man who responded within two minutes of the restart.
Cyrus Christie played a pivotal part setting up Philogene before his unopposed run down the right ended with a low cross into the box that was finished by Tyler Morton.
The Swans were mostly hanging on thereafter with Duff looking to be reactive rather than proactive with his changes on what was ultimately another frustrating afternoon in a season that flatters to deceive.
Liam Cullen sat out his one match suspension from his red card against Ipswich Town whilst Harry Darling was swapped to the bench after the return to fitness for Ben Cabango. Charlie Patino was limited to a place amongst the subs after his own red card.
Rushworth
Ashby – Cabango – Humphreys – Tymon
Fultin – Grimes – Paterson
Cooper – Yates – Lowe
On reflection the result was a disappointment and it should be whatever level you’re at when you fail to win from 2-0 up and despite Hull probably being the better side overall, there were positives.
Nonemoreso than the opening goal; quick interplay on the counter attack set Paterson away down the right before cutting in and slipping the ball left footed under the grasp of Alsop. It was sharp, incisive football much to the standard that were expecting when Michael Duff was appointed.
Soon after it was two as that man Paterson (I wonder when his contract expires?) hit a dipping shot that was fumbled by former Cardiff keeper Alsop into the path of a gleeful Yates to slip it home.
Two nil undoubtedly flattered the Swans against a Hull team that has been transformed since the same fixture last season largely thanks to the arrival of Liam Rosenior – a young, progressive coach whose desire is to play attractive and passing football. Sounds familiar?
The Tigers had a couple of opportunities to bring the scores closer before the break but some woeful finishing prevented then getting on the scoresheet. It was a similar story for Lowe and Yates who couldn’t quite find the finishing touch to make it a game too far for Hull to mount a comeback.
It always baffles me what actually happens at half time. Does Duff sit and tell everyone how great things have been and more of the same? Does he ever read the riot act? I think it’s only safe to assume that it gets little to no impact on the pitch after the break as demonstrated by the quick Hull response.
After Ashby left the pitch in the first half to be replaced by Darling due to yet another Swans injury, it left a make shift right back desperately keeping pace with one of the better wingers in the Championship.
And that mismatch brought Hull back into it as Christie found space to roam forward and slide in Philogene who finished hard at Rushworth’s near post.
It was nearly 2-2 but for the offside flag as Delap finished Philogene’s cross as Hull turned the screw and it wasn’t long before the visitors’ control on the game finally paid off.
Christie, a signing the Americans wouldn’t sanction after his successful loan period, hurried down the right and whipped a ball in which was met by Morton to finish through the legs of Cabango.
Then it was a case of holding on to what was there with Hull’s tails up sniffing a winner which they did come close to getting but for a Rushworth save and a skied effort on the rebound.
Two wins at home by December was not what anyone had hoped and whilst Duff does have a long list of injuries to contend with, we certainly aren’t seeing the results we were all expecting from someone who was coming in to deliver the goods.
With a visit to Leeds midweek – with Messrs Piroe, James and Rodon to face – things don’t get any easier… and we know how quick the pressure can mount on a manager.
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