Reserves Beat Plymouth 2-0

On a sunny but cold night I made the journey to Port Talbot to take in my first Reserves game.

It was a great opportunity to see some of the up and coming talent in the club. It also saw the return of Former Swansea player Rory Fallon in a Plymouth Shirt. I was not expecting a turnout really but was impressed with 50-80 people watching the game. Including Richie Evans, Kris O Leary, Graeme Jones and David moss all in attendance.

It was nice to see Garry in a Swansea Shirt again and a rare look at Andy Oakes in goal. Colin Pascoe had 4 first teamers at his disposal with Kevin Austin and Kevin Amankwaah also starting.

The first half was a very scrappy affair with no real sense of urgency to get ahead, from the outset Garry commanded from the back and won vital headers to clear the Swansea box. Rory Fallon was persistent for Argyle with some good runs but was short of any real match fitness, and was well marked by Kevin Austin.

Swansea`s attacks were few and far between but Amankwaah surged forward on the right flank with purpose but his crosses fell short. There was certainly a lack of movement within the Swansea Box with Kerry Morgan failing to latch onto those passes. Kryztian Timar, Argyle`s Hungarian defender certainly was marking Morgan well and his obvious height advantage was a factor.

Throughout the first half both teams continued to press for the advantage with a busy performance by Joe Allen in the centre of the park, but his runs were closed down by the Plymouth defence. Plymouth`s movement was excellent and nearly resulted in a goal when Barnes shot wide. Dion Chambers, who is one to watch out for, was impressive sticking to his task well and forced play back to Tim Sandercombe in the Plymouth goal.

Mr Kerry Morgan blew for half time with the score at 0-0.

The second half started with tempo from Swansea with some good link up play in the midfield Joe Allen and Jazz Richards who also impressed with some fine distribution and workman like approach. Plymouth could not force their way past the Swansea defence with Garry Monk marshalling the young Swansea reserves side, and Oakes was vocal and commanded his box well however I felt he was lacking match sharpness.

Amankwaah and Chambers continued to be a threat down the Swansea flanks and their persistence was rewarded on 70 minutes, a cross from the flank from Amankwaah caused Sandercombe problems and could not claim the ball and saw Kerry Morgan head home from 6 yards. Kerry added to his tally for the night with some superb link up play from Dion Chambers. One on one with the goal keeper Morgan cooly slotted the ball home and a few summersaults to celebrate were added for good measure; the Remax Stadium crowd gave 6.0 for artistic merit for that acrobatic display. The 2-0 lead was nothing more than Swansea deserved. Plymouth surged forward however Garry Monk stuck to task and broke up play. Rory Fallon`s over head kick did not even trouble Andy Oakes.

he match finished 2-0 and a very comfortable win for the Swans. I was pessimistic about going to a reserves game but it was enjoyable and I would go again.

MOTM for me: Dion Chambers with Amankwaah in close 2nd.

The future is bright for the club that is for sure.

written by Lisa Higgins.

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