Sport

Record-breaking City too strong for Swans

Published

7 years ago

December 14, 2017

By Jonathan Twigg

EXPECTATION wasn’t one of those words which was running closely to Swansea’s hearts as the side, rock bottom of the Premier League welcomed table topping Manchester City to the Liberty Stadium on Wednesday (Dec 13), with anything short of a superhuman performance could prevent a landmark fifteenth consecutive win for City.

Swansea had overcome West Bromwich Albion 1-0 in a dour fixture three day before at the same venue and the home side started the game based on a strong defensive organisation, making the swashbuckling City line up look for space between the stoic lines.

Half chances came and were wasted by a jaded visiting offensive unit, perhaps the emotion of the weekends Manchester derby hanging over them?

The Swans had acceded to allowing music in the changing room, a gesture which wouldn’t have gone unnoticed by mercurial leader Pep Guardiola, where Oasis were charged with pumping up the volume.

There was no storm in a tea cup here and the normal football service resumed just before the half hour when Silva ghosted into the penalty area unnoticed to put City on course for that record breaking win, removing the Spurs record which had stood since 1961 to the annals of time, though few will forget the late, great manager Bill Nicholson’s tenure at White Hart Lane.

Ten minutes before half time a Kevin De Bruyne free kick from the left hand corner of the penalty area doubled the lead when he shot through a plethora of bodies to leave Fabianski grasping at thin air.

37 years ago to the day a famous Welsh talisman made his debut for the then league champions Liverpool, at Portman Road, Ipswich and how the all whites could do with such an icon these days.

They have an abundance of effort which was encouraging for the home support, but the difference in quality between the two sides was evident telling its own story in terms of league position.

The mantra instilled through ‘Pep’ allows his side to play with confidence but more importantly without fear which forced errors from a Swansea side guilty at times of sloppy defending.

A sprightlier second half from Swansea came courtesy of Tammy Abraham, the on loan Chelsea striker making an immediate impact off the bench for Tom Carroll, with his pace to worry a normally composed central defensive partnership of Mangala and Otamendi.

The spirt shown didn’t last, with the visiting fans singing ‘glad all over’ to their manager, watching the diminutive Silva slip through from the left hand side of the penalty area to make it 3-0.

Football is to be appreciated, with the movement, skills and desire to work as a team epitomising a side with a willingness to win, for each other but more importantly the team.

City were human, Aguero wasting a gilt edged opportunity when he was clear with a four on two overlap, whilst Ederson made a wonderful reflex save from a deflective shot from Mesa to keep the score line 3-0.

Fabianski was on top form and without him the City would have been home and dry long before Aguero, a man for match winning occasions notably a 2015 championship strike in injury time, drove with determination to leave a wake of several trailing bodies to score a fourth with five minutes remaining.

In contrast Ki Sing-Yeung’s body shape didn’t give him the freedom to pull a consolation goal back for his beleaguered side, who remain bottom of the Premier League, adrift of safety by two points.

The match statistics show the dominance, with nearly five times the number of shots rifling forth under the ‘blue moon’ and each pass greeted with a continuum of ‘ole’.

Swansea have a long way to go in the season where one swallow doesn’t make a summer and the important message for Paul Clement is one of keeping the faith as he has 20,870 loyal backbenchers believing in him.

He takes his side to Merseyside twice in the next 12 days with a dogfight at home against fellow relegation candidates Crystal Palace on Saturday (Dec23) sandwiched between.

They end the year travelling to Vicarage Road to play Watford with the hope they will have gleaned close to eighteen points before Tottenham Hotspur arrive at the Liberty to start the New Year.

Hope reigns eternal that 2018 will be a better one for Swansea as without hope the reliance of Father Christmas bringing some fortune hangs above the managers’ head. Mistletoe, that gift is not where the minimum is a cup of good cheer.

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Ryan Wilson opened the scoring in the 16th minute, volleying home from a Jack Britton corner. Carew responded before halftime when Marcus Griffiths won and converted a penalty after being brought down by Mark Jones.

Jones made amends in the second half, setting up Shane Walsh to restore Hakin’s lead in the 77th minute. In stoppage time, Britton played in Alfie Stotter, who sealed the win with a delicate chip.

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Goodwick United 5-0 Kilgetty

Goodwick United moved one step closer to retaining their league title with a commanding win over 10-man Kilgetty.

Will Haworth opened the scoring just before halftime with an overhead kick, and moments later, Nathan Greene doubled the lead with a powerful header from a Jonny Horgan corner.

Kilgetty’s hopes faded further in the second half when Kyle Marsh was sent off for a second booking. Goodwick capitalised, adding goals through Rhys Jones, substitute Kieran Blundell, and a second for Haworth to complete the rout.

They now need just one more win from their final three games to secure the championship.

Pennar Robins run riot as Herbrandston’s season ends in heavy defeat

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Relegated Herbrandston endured a crushing defeat in their final game, as Pennar Robins ran rampant with 15 unanswered goals.

Ben Adams led the charge with five, while Jack Jones netted four. Cameron Brunton added a hat-trick, with Noah Davison, Nick Willis, and Liam Williams also on the scoresheet.

Despite a difficult season, credit must go to Herbrandston and their leadership, with the club now looking ahead to a fresh start in August.

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Ten-man Milford stun holders Clarby to reach Senior Cup final

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1 day ago

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Milford United 2-1 Clarbeston Road
MILFORD UNITED booked their place in the Senior Cup final with a spirited and fearless performance, overcoming defending champions Clarbeston Road in a dramatic semi-final at Bridge Meadow.

With both sides having beaten each other in the league, a competitive encounter was expected, and The Robins wasted no time in making their mark. Young Jack Dyer fired them into the lead in the fourth minute with a superb volley, setting the tone for an intense battle.

Milford had a golden chance to double their advantage just before the half-hour mark, but Clarby held firm, ensuring the deficit remained at one goal heading into the break.

Half-time: Milford United 1-0 Clarbeston Road

Clarby came out strongly in the second half, piling on the pressure from the restart. Milford goalkeeper Charlie Malloy produced a series of crucial saves, but in the 62nd minute, Clarby found the breakthrough, levelling the game at 1-1.

Moments later, Milford were dealt a major blow when captain Scott Griffiths was shown a straight red card, leaving them to battle the remainder of the match with ten men.

Despite the numerical disadvantage, The Robins showed incredible resolve, and in the 82nd minute, Scott Reid fired home from close range to restore Milford’s lead—sparking wild celebrations among their supporters.

Milford saw out the closing stages with a determined defensive effort, securing a hard-fought victory that showcased their grit and resilience.

They will now face old rivals Hakin United in the final at Bridge Meadow on Saturday, April 12, with momentum firmly on their side.

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Haverfordwest outclassed by Tenby in cup clash

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HAVERFORDWEST 13-52 TENBY UNITED

TENBY UNITED asserted their dominance in a knockout cup clash against Haverfordwest, securing a commanding 52-13 victory on Saturday.

The Seasiders entered the match as strong favourites given the gulf between the two sides in league standings. Despite a determined effort from Haverfordwest, they trailed by 18 points at halftime and conceded another 21 in the second half without adding to their tally.

Jack Broadhurst opened the scoring for Tenby before Haverfordwest responded with a well-worked try from Guy Barrons, converted by Jack Codd. However, Tenby quickly regained control. Hywel Baker powered over, Kyle Rossiter finished a forward drive, and Tom Edmonds crossed after a break from Dai Jones. Lloyd Thomas added the extras before No. 8 Jack Brown crashed over just before the break to extend the lead.

The Blues had promising spells and earned two penalties, both converted by Codd, but failed to capitalise on further opportunities. In the second half, Tenby’s dominance continued. Gwion Jones, Lloyd Thomas, and Ryan Bolton all added tries, with Thomas finishing the match with 17 points in a one-sided contest.