Phil SumblerAs pre-season outings go this was a good one for Swansea City as they eased to a 4-0 win at Reading this afternoon thanks to a quick three goal burst at the start of the second half at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.
A goal either side of half time from Joel Piroe, one from Jerry Yates and a fourth from Matt Grimes stole the scoring headlines as Michael Duff’s side gained a morale boosting win after three disappointing performances leading into it.
It does mean that the Swans can go into the new season next Saturday with confidence high and particularly knowing that reinforcements will arrive in SA1 this week in the form of Carl Rushworth, Harrison Ashby and at least one more before the season starts.
Add to that the return from injury of both Josh Ginnelly and Joe Allen and it would prove to be a more than excellent afternoon for Michael Duff as he prepares for his first competitive match in charge next weekend.
Piroe’s excellent first half volley was the difference between the sides at half time but that did not tell the story for the beginning of the second half. Piroe finished a Grimes cross before Yates found an empty net minutes later after a mistake by the home keeper. By the time Grimes netted the fourth the game was over as a contest and gave the Swans the chance to make some changes including the returning duo from injury.
Michael Duff called it his dress rehearsal when he reflected back on the game afterwards telling SwansTV “We asked for a non pre-season performance we wanted a dress rehearsal for how we want it to try and look.
“We mixed it up with some penetrative football, some good goals and another clean sheet. There has been a lot of work and information given to the players in the last two weeks and it will take time for the players to adjust and learn.
“It was a good day and hopefully the first of many. I was pleased to see Gino and Joe back. Gino will take a bit of time as he’s not had a pre-season.
Silly things as well I was pleased with Joe’s booking at the end. He showed his experience by taking one for the team when you are 4-0 up in a pre-season friendly. That’s what we want, I don’t want us to be a nice team.
“I was pleased with the defending at the end some of the blocks and headers. They are good habits and it’s driving home the message that we need more clean sheets added to the good football.
“We will be as ready as we can and looking to bring in a few new players to supplement what we have. We are no different to anyone else, we want to get promoted.”
