Swans Begin Trophy Defence At Walsall
Away Draw For Swans |
Holders Swansea have been drawn away to Walsall in the first round of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy - formerly the Football League Trophy. The revamped competition sees 32 clubs from League One and League Two divided into four regions, with the other 16 teams being given byes. The Northern Section (West) draw has handed Wrexham a home tie against League Two rivals Rochdale. The first round ties will be played in the week beginning 16 October. The new format also sees extra-time scrapped - with drawn matches proceeding straight to penalty shoot-outs if the scores are level after 90 minutes. And, unlike the last few seasons, Conference National teams are not involved. Meanwhile, the League has also attempted to curb the practice of clubs fielding weakened teams in the early rounds. Under competition rules, clubs are required to include a majority of the 11 players that have appeared most often in first-team games during the season. Swansea are the holders after beating Carlisle 2-1 in last season's final at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff. Johnstone's Paint Trophy - First Round Northern Section (West) Accrington Stanley v Carlisle Wrexham v Rochdale Macclesfield v Stockport Bury v Tranmere Northern Section (East) Hartlepool v Rotherham Huddersfield v Doncaster Bradford v Scunthorpe Lincoln v Grimsby Southern Section (East) Brighton v Boston Northampton v Brentford Notts County v Barnet Gillingham v Notts Forest Southern Section (West) Wycombe v Swindon Walsall v Swansea Hereford v Shrewsbury Bristol Rovers v Torquay First round ties take place in week beginning 16 October. What to read next:We have been told by numerous Swansea fans of a chance meeting in a service station between Jamal Lowe and those returning from Norwich yesterday. Nothing in that or indeed the conversation they had yesterday. Indeed there has to be some interpretation from what we know already on Jamal Lowe. It was a pulsating game to watch and very much one of my favourite away games of the season. The Swans looked an entirely different side to that we saw at Middlesbrough when it is clear a catalyst for commitment was agreed behind the scenes at Swansea City. To a man every player grafted and wore the shirt with pride. To see the players really acknowledge the Swans support at Carrow Road this afternoon was emotional. Norwich City 2 - 2 Swansea City - Player Ratings and Reports
If you saw the match, please give us your player ratings and a mini match report. The Swans are on the Norfolk Broads, punting and boating their way to the end of the season. Hopefully the city of Norwich is obliging. Swansea City have set out on their second long distance away trip in two weekends, this time to Norwich for todays clash between the Swans and Canaries (3pm) Over the last ten meetings between the clubs Swansea City have won five times, Norwich the same. As a result of the news reported by Sky on Wednesday that five military horses had escaped and ran through central London, a Cardiff City follower thought it wise to relate the incident to the death of Swansea fan Terry Coles, 42. Liam Cullen has had his request for a new contract dismissed by Swansea City after discussions broke down last week. The lowest paid ‘senior’ player at the club ( he is twenty five) asked for a better contract increasing his £3,500 a week to around £7,000 a week over three years. Thanks to Gwyn we have a thorough assessment of this weeks officials who will take charge at Carrow Road this Saturday at 3pm. Norwich City will be keen to get the points to guarantee their play off slot, and Saturday is their first go. He was a revelation for the Swans for the few games he played this season, and now it emerges Sam Parker has ‘turned down’ a new Swansea City contract. News is thin on the ground, and some of it just incorrect as he looks to involve his representatives in some further negotiations. Plus his current contract runs for two more years. There were some worrying moments for the Swans yesterday, on three occasions mistakes from playing out from the back nearly saw the home side score. And is there now a case for Jamal Lowe to be offered a contract at Swansea ? |