Sixth Successive Draw For Swansea

Alan Gow's goal fifteen minutes from time saw Swansea chalk up their sixth consecutive draw at a dreary Bloomfield Road.

The on loan forward's strike came just seven minutes after Jason Scotland had given the visitors a deserved lead with a well placed shot.

But the Swans inability to hold onto a lead was evident again as Gow tricked his way into the area before placing the ball past Dorus de Vries.

A rather non-descript first half was lacking in goal scoring opportunities, with only Tom Butler and Jordi Gomez working Paul Rachubka from long distance. Some good defending by Garry Monk stamped out the home sides most threatening moment.

Roberto Martinez's side controlled possession, much to the frustration of the home crowd, although the much called for cutting edge was lacking once again.

Simon Grayson's half time team talk clearly warmed the ears of his side, and with the introduction of Gow for the anonymous Ben Burgess, the Swans had to weather a fifteen minute spell at the start of the second half.

However, de Vries was never really tested and the game settled back into its familiar pattern. Joe Allen was replaced on the hour mark by Gorka Pintado and the Spaniard's presecence up front was having a positive effect.

It was Pintado's run that created the space for Scotland to take the ball to the edge of the area before hitting a pin point left footed shot into the bottom corner. The goal was no more than the man from the Caribbean deserved who was sharp and looks to be coming back to his best.

The Tangerine's became more of a threat when Anthony Hammil, a summer target of Martinez, switched to the left wing and gave Angel Rangel a fairly torrid time for the final twenty minutes.

The equalising goal stemmed from the host's left after the Swan's had tried to play their way out of a corner. Pintado's heavy touch conceded possession and the ball found its way to Gow in the penalty area, who shot across the face of de Vries and into the bottom corner.

The goal was all far too predictable for the 300 or so travelling Jack's, who have seen their side concede the advantage in games all too regularly in recent weeks.

Despite the setback it was the Welsh side who looked the more likely to grab a winner. Pintado showed a burst of pace to get onto Scotland's through ball, but uncharacteristically lacked composure when one on one with Rachubka.

Then, in the final minutes of the game, a rare forray forward by Darren Pratley saw him pull the ball back for Scotland, whose goal bound effort was deflected wide for a corner.

The full time whistle signalled a record sixth drawn game in a row for Martinez's men, but the debate among the travelling Jack's was whether it was a point gained or two more dropped.

Jason Scotland- Very good performance from the much criticised front man. Held the ball up very well on the whole, lacked runners around him to make the most of his good work. Looked sharp throughout and the goal visibly gave him more confidence, hitting form at a good time.
Rarely troubled,only really picked the ball out of his net all afternoon. Couldn't be blamed for the goal. Decent enough showing from the Spaniard without hitting the high standards he has set himself. Had problems with Hammil when he switched to left wing Solid captain's knock from Monk. Defended well throughout and looked assured on the ball. Didn't put a foot wrong, but as was the visitors domination he was largely untroubled. Along with Monk dealt well with a strike pairing who had the potential to be a real handful. Excellent. Not his biggest fan but today he was very good. Provided good support for Butler when venturing forward and impressive in defence. Floated about the midfield as usual without a real final product Not one of his better performances, did set up Scotland with a good run late in the game. His touch took him backwards or sideways too often. As consistent as ever. Personally thought he was hard done by coming off after an hour. Perhaps Pratley's seniority kept him on over Joe. Used the ball well and not afraid to put his foot in. Started brightly enough, but became less and less effective as the game went on. Insisted on coming inside every time he was one on one with the full back. The big man with a display that shows us all what he is capable of. More showings like this and he will win more people over. A fine goal to cap it all. Missed a golden opportunity to win the game but linked up with Scotland quite well when he was on. His token two minute sub appearance. 'My glass is definitely half full.'

'It's another point, another good performance and at the halfway stage of the season I am very happy with our progress. '

'We controlled most of the game and gave a very mature performance.'

'We stopped Blackpool's high tempo game and created plenty of chances to have won it.'

'Perhaps we scored at the wrong time though and maybe allowed Blackpool back into the game, which proved costly.'

'This was a good point, any point we gain in the Championship is hard work and this was no different.'

'We knew Swansea would have lots of possession, our fans got a little frustrated but we knew we had to be patient.'

'We had to change it at the break and I just thought [Alan] Gow would put his foot on the ball and drop a little deeper and it would allow us to play a little more football.'

'As the game developed it could have gone either way but it's a point I think both teams will be happy with.'

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