Archive for August, 2007

The post-Trundle era opened with an unlucky 2-1 defeat at Oldham where the new strike partnership of Darryl Duffy and Jason Scotland excited manager Roberto Martinez “their partnershipup-front was brilliant at times,the squad has gelled quickly and if we play like that the points will flow” he said. Let’s hope the defence gells just as quickly!!

A last-minute header from Wales international striker Craig Davies sealed the three points for Oldham.

Swansea had a disastrous start as Alan Tate brought Davies down in the box after just 40 seconds, Michael Ricketts converting from the spot.

A superb Jason Scotland goal after the break levelled it, the striker standing a hard John Thompson tackle, turning, swivelling and finishing delightfully.

Then, in the dying seconds, Davies got on the end of a Deane Smalley corner.

At the end of a bad-tempered game, Oldham manager John Sheridan was sent to the stands.

He was escorted off by two police officers after protesting too much when loan signing Neil Kilkenny was brought down in a two-man tackle.

Oldham: Crossley, Eardley, Thompson, Gregan, Giddings, Allott, Kalala, Kilkenny, Taylor, Ricketts, Davies.
Subs: Liddell, Bell, McDonald, Smalley, Wolfenden.

Goals: Ricketts 3, Davies 90.

Swansea: de Vries, Tate, Bodde, Britton, Pratley, Scotland, Duffy, Painter, Lawrence, Robinson, Rangel.
Subs: Austin, O’Leary, Bauza, Anderson, Hawthorne.

Goals: Scotland 55.

Att: 7,397

Ref: A Hall.

Swansea City manager Roberto Martinez says he is not worried by his side’s slow start to the season.

The Swans are yet to win in their opening two games of the new season, drawing 0-0 with Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

But Martinez claims that if his side continue to play like they did on Saturday, they will soon hit form.

“I am not worried that we haven’t won, because we are playing well and will get that victory soon,” he said.

“We stamped our authority on the game but just couldn’t take our chances.

“We had 16 chances and had seven shots on target, hit the post twice and we were unlucky it was the only thing missing from the performance.

“We lacked a bit of luck but I can guarantee if we play like that for the rest of the season we will be alright and get three points soon.

“The lads have been working hard and the boys know exactly how they want to play and we can see that in their performance.”

Swansea have now played two of the promotion favourites and Martinez says that the two games have been valuable experience for his side.

He said: “Forest are favourites, they are very strong and you can measure yourself against them.

“They are very ruthless and they held out for a point and when we go away from home we need to be like that.”