Fallon Scores As Wolves Hold Swans
Swansea City 1 Wolves 1 |
It's always difficult to judge anything much on a pre season performance but there was plenty on show this afternoon to say that the Swans have a strong looking first choice eleven even if nothing else. In front of almost 7,000 people at the Liberty Stadium they were more than a match for their Championship opponents with the 1-1 final score being more flattering to them than to us. Following the collapse of the Dean Leacock deal earlier in the week, Kenny Jackett gave us pretty much a good indication of his opening line up in two weeks with just Alan Tate, suspended for the Cheltenham game, likely to make way at present in two weeks time. Big Willy Tatey Monk Izzy Williams Robbo Pratley KOL Macca Little Leon Rory And the Swans made a dream start when they took the lead after three minutes when Fallon connected with a perfect diving header to Robbo's cross from a quick throw in to give the Swans the list. The header did creep in under the keeper but it was powerful enough to state that it was not a keeping error as it may sound to someone not watching. 1 up so early on in the game was a perfect lift to a group of fans who had seen their 'record signing' disappear just a few days earlier. And Swansea pretty much embarked on a spell of domination led by the excellent Leon Knight working with his strike partner in Fallon and midfield being marshalled by the equally impressive Pratley. For a player who did not impress last season against us he looked a different player today and was always keen to get the ball. Along side him KOL was tackling well but certainly not in the middle of one of his better games. On the wings, Macca looked dangerous without ever really threatening and it was sad to see that Robbo looked a little off the pace. That said though he linked a couple of times with his forward line and almost created a second. The back four looked solid with both Williams and Tate prepared to get forward and assist their wide men with Williams in particular showing some excellent distribution of the ball. And it was somewhat of a surprise to be honest that Wolves drew level when a flick header from a right wing cross found its way in off the inside of the post. Half time came and went with McDonald replacing Macca forcing a reshuffle that saw Robbo move wide left with Shaun taking his place wide right. And whilst McDonald continues to impress on every appearance the Swans looked far less dangerous second time around. Robinson was replaced around the hour mark by LT10 - Robbo being potentially feeling an injury niggle? - and with it the Swans moved to 4-3-3 with Fallon occupying the middle role of the front trio. This was something that changed during the second half but I am sorry to say completely wiped the danger that Knight and Fallon as a due had provided up to that point. LT10, in much the same way as Robbo, looked off the pace of the game something that we will need to address More changes saw Oakes on for his Liberty bow in place of Willy and Austin replace Izzy but the game petered out into a draw with only McDonald's excellent run and shot against the cross bar threatening to change that position. Plenty of work to be done for the Swans over the next couple of weeks but a couple of positives to take from the game especially the performance of Knight who looked sharper than at any stage in his Swansea career to date. An enjoyable enough game without ever sizzling. CLICK HERE FOR MATCH PICTURES |