Match Report

Swans eased their way into the 2nd round of the Carling Cup with Sean McDonald grabbing a brace in a comfortable 2-0 win. However, the win came at the cost of seeing new signing Fede Bessone stretchered off with what looked like a rib injury.

The first competitive home match of the season saw Roberto Martinez make an incredible ten changes with only Dorus de Vries keeping his place in the starting line up.

Brentford, who seem to have been in a downward spiral since losing to the Swans in the Division One play off in May 2006, ended last season mid table in Division Two. They included ex Swans loanee Marcus Bean in midfield.

Side- de Vries, Tate, Serran, Lawrence, Bessone, McDonald, Gomez, Jones, Orlandi, Brandy, Scotland. Subs- Rangel, Williams, O’Leary, Pratley, Allen, Gower, Bauza.

It took just two minutes for Jordi Gomez to show the Liberty Stadium faithful his class with an inch perfect cross that Dennis Lawrence couldn’t quite control.

Swans were looking much the classier side but Brentford looked workmanlike and certainly up for the fight.

Swans weren’t as dominant in midfield as you would have expected but Brentford were getting no change from a solid looking Swans back line.

Going forward Swans looked for more threatening and it seemed a matter of time before the Swans extra class brought a goal.

The goal arrived on 30 minutes. Febian Brandy created a half chance for himself and his cross/ shot found Shaun McDonald at the far post. Shaun did well to control a ball that bounced high and he got over the ball and fired home from 12 yards out.

Two minutes after going in front the excellent Jordi Gomez almost extended the lead when he unleashed a left footed volley from 30 yards that left Brentford keeper Ben Hamer rooted to the spot. The ball thundered against the bar and rebounded to safety.

With a one goal lead Swans players visibly relaxed and produced some breath taking football most of which involved Gomez.

Swans had further half chances for Shaun McDonald and Owain Tudur Jones before half time.

Swans started the second half slowly but on 53 minutes yet another piece of magic from Jordi Gomez brought the crowd to their feet. Gomez played a one two with Jason Scotland before firing a shot that Ben Hamer was lucky to keep out.

On 58 minutes an innocuous challenge on Fede Bessone saw the Swans full back receive lengthy treatment before being stretchered off holding his ribs.
Angel Rangel replaced Bessone with Alan Tate moving across to left back.

Owain Tudur Jones went close with a header from an Alan Tate cross and Jason Scotland had a goal bound effort blocked after good work by Shaun McDonald.

Brentford had their first real chance on 67 minutes when Marvin Williams was given far too much space and had a free header that he headed over the bar.

A minute later and Swans scored the all important second goal. A superb flick from Owain Tudur Jones put Jason Scotland through, his effort was blocked but the rebound fell to Shaun McDonald. With the angle narrow the young Swans winger dragged the ball back and showed tremendous composure before lashing the ball into the top corner.

Swans continued to play tremendous football in pouring rain and even a hailstorm.

Jordi Gomez almost scored a spectacular goal after seeing Hamer off his line and chipping the keeper from 40 yards. His effort beat Hamer and only cleared the bar by inches.

Darren Pratley replaced Febian Brandy and Jason Scotland made way for Guillem Bauza for the last ten minutes.

Bauza’s introduction saw Swans with five Spaniards on the field and I can’t believe any English League side has ever fielded that number of players from a single country outside of the UK.

Gulliem Bauza had two or three chances in the final ten minutes and really should have scored at least one of them.

Five minutes from the end Marcus Bean picked up a second yellow card and his dismissal brought the night’s comedy moment when Brentford manager Andy Scott lashed out at a full bottle of Powerade sending it hurtling straight into the chest of Swans Senior Steward Tony Griffiths who was standing at the entrance to the tunnel. Luckily for Scott Tony saw the funny side and a shake of hands was the result.

Brentford had one last effort to rescue something when substitute Moses Ademola struck a thunderbolt of a shot that beat Dorus de Vries all ends up and hit the post. Glenn Poule, following up, drove the rebound goal ward and Dorus de Vries saved well with his legs.

Ratings-

De Vries 7 – A couple of decent saves but a quiet night.

Tate 7 – Hardly tested at all defensively.
Serran 7 – Looked composed and assured but didn’t look too keen to get into heading duals with giant striker Nathan Elder.
Lawrence 7 – No mishaps.
Bessone 8- Really looked the business and may well have done enough to get ahead of Marcus Painter before his untimely injury.

McDonald 8 – Has come on in leaps and bounds and took both goals really well.
Gomez 9 – Blessed with the sweetest of sweet left feet.
Jones 7 – Did OK but looks well down the pecking order in midfield.
Orlandi 7 – Some great touches but didn’t impose himself on the game enough.

Brandy 6- Stupid, pointless yellow card. Got little change out of Division Two defenders.
Scotland 7 – Looked sharp and ready for 90 minutes on Saturday.

Subs-

Rangel 7 – Looked fit and eager.
Pratley 7 – Ran his socks off in final 10 minutes.
Bauza 6 – Kept getting in the right place and producing the wrong result.

Shaun MacDonald sent Swansea into the first round of the Carling Cup with his first goals for the club.

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