Planet Swans ArchivesHollins was forced into two changes from the side that beat Notts. County on Wednesday. Philips making his debut for the season and Lee Jenkins replacing out of favour Keegan.Hollins made a tactical switch (That’s novel John ;-)) switching to a 3-5-2 formation with Philips inclusion in the midfield.
Swansea had their first chance in the second minute when Cusack headed directly into Luton keeper Ovendale from a Boyd cross. On 20 mins some great link-up play between Cusack and Boyd sent Boyd on a mazy run, his shot however was half blocked and was made easy for the keeper. Luton then got more into the game and started to threaten, but their passing was often lucklaster.
The game turned however on 30 mins, a great cross from Boyd was pulled back across the open goal by Cuscak only for what seemed to be blocked on the line by Luton debutant Stirling, whether the ball touched his hand or not is doubious as at that speed it was difficult to tell but the ball was definetly goal bound referee Pugh had no hesitation in sending him off and Bound slammed the ball down the middle for the opening score. The NB cheer was immense for at last they had seen their team score at home. Luton were not to be outdone though even with 10 men, when on 40 mins a low 30 yd drive from Luton captain McClaren was saved and gathered well by Wales’ No. 1.
Then 2 mins later a Spring Corner was headed over by the poor Emerson Boyce. Boyd was to get the NB going again though on the brink of HT. After a flick on header from Price, Boyd recieved the ball fom 30 yds out, and was put under heavy pressure from the Hatters defence, but after a quick turn he rounded one defender and was nearly pulled down by another but Boyd kept his balance and fired passed the keeper.
HT
As the game wore on the man advantage was starting to be more visable as Luton’s midfield started to tire. This left good opportunities for Price, Coates and Jenkins to push forward and take on their defence, however the last ball was always a dissapointment.
On 65 mins a whipping cross from Coates (this is his only good touch of the day!) was headed goal bound by Price (Again this was his only real good piece of play!) only to be saved at point blank range by Ovendale. But 5 mins later the Swans were 3-0 up. After dissention a fk was moved 10 yds forward into the Luton penalty area, instead of balsting the ball into the wall we used some sense for a change and teed up Cusack ho had stood out from the crowd in the box, he calmly placed the ball in the net. This was the best game I’ve seen Cusack play he fully deserved his goal as his work was phenonamal, running like a lunatic.
Stu Roberts came on for the hapless Coates and scored his first goal in a long while after a long ball from Cusack was pushed forward with a chase for Stu and the last defender which Stu easily won and slotted past the keeper.
FT
Ex-Swans target Mark Stien took a right ribbing from the NB over his decision to sign for Luton, instead of the Swans, but on todays form he did us a favour. Cusack was a man possessed and fully deserved his goal and MoTM accolade. We can’t get too carried away by this result, although this was a positive display, there were many poor preformances, Coates and Price especially were appaling today, but then again their usually hit/miss players. We still need another striker, preferably one that can score, but Boyd’s performance today showed he might be back in that rich vien of form when he first signed for the club.
