Pre-Season Friendly: Neath 1-0 Swansea City

Swansea City fans got the first opportunity to see their team in action today since the Play-Off Final win with two local friendly matches, starting off at the Gnoll to face Neath before a quick trip to Port Talbot 3 hours later.

Manager Brendan Rodgers split his squad into two for the two friendly matches. New faces included trialist goalkeeper Thorsten Stuckmann, new signings Steven Caulker, Ryan Harley and Danny Graham, plus trialist Radames.

Neath had five former Swans in their starting line-up - Lee Trundle, Matthew Rees, Chris Jones, Matty Collins and Kerry Morgan, and Kristian O'Leary was named amongst the substitutes.

Swansea: Thorsten Stuckmann, Steven Caulker, Ashley Williams, Scott Tancock, Radames, Mark Gower, Andrea Orlandi, Ryan Harley, Danny Graham, Nathan Dyer.

Subs: Thomas Gregg, Daniel Alfei, Joe Walsh, Jazz Richards, Kemi Agustien, Luke Moore, Steven Dobbie, Leon Britton, Oliver Davies, Thomas Butler.

Neath: Lee Kendall, Ian Hillier, Jack Lewis, Kai Edwards, Mathew Rees, Chris Jones, Adie Harris, Matty Collins, Kerry Morgan, Lee Trundle, Craig Hughes. Subs: Kerry Nicholas, Kristian O'Leary, Luke Cummings, Laurie Marsh, Liam Thomas, Garyn Preen, Luke Prosser, Toby Jones, Rhys Kelleher.

Swansea City didn't manage their first shot at goal until the 33rd minute, when Danny Graham had an opportunity after being put through by Ryan Harley, but the record signing was denied by the goalkeeper.

Nathan Dyer skipped past about 5 players then to give Graham another chance in front of goal. This time he did find the net but it was ruled out for offside.

A large Swansea following were disappointed and rather stunned just before the break as Neath opened the scoring from the penalty spot as Ryan Harley handled the ball. Former Swan Chris Jones beat Stuckmann from 12 yards.

Brendan Rodgers made 8 changes to his side but they were unable to force an equaliser. The likes of Tom Butler, Kemy Agustien and Luke Moore came on for the second period.

Swansea (second-half): Stuckmann, Zola, Joe Walsh, Daniel Alfei, Tancock, Kemi Agustien, Leon Britton, Thomas Gregg, Tom Butler, Stephen Dobbie, Luke Moore.

The Swans dominated large periods of the game, and they had Stephen Dobbie pulling all the strings in the centre, but they still couldn't create an opening. Agustien forced the goalkeeper into a good save whilst Dobbie should have netted but he missed from 6 yards after Moore's pass.

Vital Swansea was unable to make the game at Neath, though we did make an appearance at Port Talbot, so here's a few quotes from barrydoom's twitter, as he provided the match updates:

'Caulker looked strong and good on the ball calm under pressure looks a good acquisition.'

'wasn't very impressed with the trialists no one really stood out for me.'

'we looked good in patches didn't really create a lot bit disjointed but don't think we deserved to lose nor win convincingly.'

'Bit disappointed we failed to score but it was a fitness exercise and didn't pick up any injuries. Harley impressed me though he looks good.'

'Augistien and Leon at CM look strong Dobbie pulling the strings. Lots of missed passes attacks frequently breaking down.'

'Swans should be ahead some glimpses of good play. Not quite gelling! Neath look dangerous on the break but don't really deserve the lead.'

Vital F1 Prediction League - Join now for Monaco