After an early exit out of the F.A.Cup at the hands of League Two’s Stockport County, Swansea City ventured the 244 miles to Roots Hall- ready to face their toughest test of the season, Southend United.
The current in-form team were destined to be the hardest fixture to date and even star striker Lee Trundle would have settled for a point. Kenny Jackett decided to start with Kristian O’Leary, a decision that suited Owain Tudor Jones well, adding extra strength in midfield with some perfectly timed tackles to boot.
Kevin Austin was also sent to warm up the bench, Kenny this time opting for Garry Monk in the starting eleven.
Both teams started brightly, Adebayo Akinfenwa and Mcleod both had early chances as well as man of the moment Lee Trundle, who continuously looked sharp with the aid of a very alert Leon Britton.
It was this partnership which lead to the first major chance of the afternoon, with Trundle pulling as many tricks as humanly possible before placing in a pin point cross from the left which eluded Bayo. Leon Britton floated the ball back into the 6-yard box, which Owain Tudur-Jones could only head over. Another Britton ball found itself flying across the penalty area; this time it was Akinfenwa who couldn’t stretch far enough to connect.
At this point in the game it was Swansea who were piling on the pressure, league positions were soon leaving our minds and as if by magic a Tudur-Jones flick on found Trundle in the penalty area. You’ve seen these situations before. With the ball on his left foot and plenty of time to pick his target there was only one place it was going to end up. The travelling jacks who had been creating a party-like atmosphere by chanting ‘Kenny Jackett’s Barmy Army’ for a couple of minutes burst into even more action as Trundle’s shot screamed past Griemink in goal.
With his appetite already whet following a stormer of a first half, Trundle set about making Southend his latest victim. A simple free kick from Ricketts on the left gifted the ball to Magic Daps on the edge of the penalty area who in turn beat his marker. His perfect cross (…or perhaps not so perfect shot at goal number 16) found Adebayo Akinfenwa who was only too happy to tap in at the far post for Swansea’s second.
This goal seemed to kick Southend into action and they slowly started to build up their attacks. O’Leary, Tate and Monk making some very important interceptions to keep the blues at bay. Mitchell Cole was the first to come close however his weak header found itself loop straight into Gueret’s arms. Next up was Freddy Eastwood who, much to the enjoyment of the away fans, failed to head home the trouble some Campbell-Ryce’s cross from a few yards out.
Eastwood made up for his poor finishing shortly after by taking advantage of a retreating Gueret who was undecided on how to handle an initial corner.
The last 10 minutes had an uncanny resemblance to that of the Rochdale game three seasons ago. The Swans having to put out a sterling defensive display in order to hold onto the three points available. Jamal Campbell-Ryce was forever advancing down the right flank but with Sammy Ricketts back in top form the final run towards goal never really materialised. A close range shot from James Lawson flew over the bar before Kevin Mcleod was recplaced by Andy Robinson. Swansea recieved a break of pressure and made the most of it by keeping the ball near the corner flag for the remainder of the match.
It finished 2-1 to the Swans who now leapfrog Southend into top spot with Huddersfield second on goal difference alone.
Player Ratings
Willy Gueret 8/10
Didn’t have to pull off many testing saves however dealt with whatever came at him. He was unlucky with the goal.
Sam Ricketts 8/10
Coped well with Campbell-Ryce and showed that attacking flair we know and love.
Izzy Iriekpen 7/10
Pulled off an amazing tackle during one of Southend’s advances, was solid throughout.
Alan Tate 8/10
Another good game from Tate, good play with Leon Britton and Kristian O’Leary when defusing high-pressure situations.
Kevin Mcleod 7/10
Came close a few times but like the previous games has become a more quiet player.
Kristian O’Leary 8/10
Was strong in midfield.
Owain Tudur-Jones 7/10
Good game from Owain, was a shame a few chances went off target.
Leon Britton 7/10
Very lively throughout although became less involved during the second half.
Adebayo Akinfenwa 7/10
Finished his goal well however he did miss three of four chances prior to that.
Garry Monk 8/10
Didn’t put a foot wrong, a refreshing change to the back four.
Lee Trundle 10/10
It was a brilliant team performance today but it’s a rare opportunity Trunds shines away from home. Today he was fantastic. Constantly creating problems that Southend could just not deal with. Scored a great goal and created one, you couldn’t ask for more.
Manager Rating
Kenny Jackett 10/10 – I don’t know what he said to the team to produce such a professional and stylish display ahead of this clash but i hope he’s written it down to use against Yeovil. A good decision to ‘rest’ Martinez, similarly with Kevin Austin. Couldn’t have found a bigger smile than his at the final whistle.
Opponent Rating
Southend are a strong team and when they were in possession showed glimpses of the awareness and skill they’re now known for. They failed to handle Trundle which everybody recognises can never be a good thing. He ran riot and maybe suggests to the Shrimpers that they should have done their homework a little more thoroughly. Perhaps if Gray was introduced a bit earlier they would of had a better shot at a second goal as it was only when he replaced Shaun Goater Southend came alive.
Kenny Jackett:
‘This was just the response I wanted after our disappointing performance in the FA Cup at Stockport last week.
‘We can enjoy the moment because the lads did me and the fans proud. But now we have to build upon this in the games that lie ahead.’
Steve Tilson:
‘We are still in a great position – third place after 17 games – so there is still plenty to fight for,’ he said. ‘We were not really at our best but could have nicked a point at the death.
‘But full marks to Swansea. They showed themselves to be a very good side but I’m confident we will get this result out of our system.’
Match report by Piki (aka pureswanseababe)
Match Photos by Kim (aka north_bank_lass)
More photos in our Album here with more to follow.
