Match Report

Swans secured their first win in the Coca Cola Championship with a 3-1 victory over a spirited Forest.

With the Cardiff based press already trying to stir things up by questioning Roberto’s early season tactics, signings and team selection, today was the day to silence the doubters against big spending Forest.

Our two games against the former Champions of Europe last season saw Swans dominate both but neither side could find the back of the net.

Forest included summer signing Rob Earnshaw who needed no introduction to the Swans faithful. Roberto made just one change to the starting line up from Charlton with fit again Jason Scotland replacing Guillem Bauza as the sole striker.

Side- de Vries, Collins, Williams, Monk, Painter, Gower, Bodde, Pratley, Britton, Butler, Scotland. Subs- Rangel, Gomez , Brandy, Bauza, Pintado.

Despite having the better of the opening, it was Forest who had the first clear chance. A cross from Man United loanee Lee Martin was almost turned in by Rob Earnshaw at the near post but Matty Collins was on hand to clear the danger.

On 7 minutes Swans took the lead. Leon Britton burst into the Forest area with the ball and fired a left foot shot that thudded against the post. As Leon was no doubt cursing his luck the ball rebounded off the back of Forest keeper Paul Smith’s head and rolled across the line.

The goal lifted the crowd and the Swans players and just two minutes later and Swans were close to doubling their lead when a right wing cross from Mark Gower found Tom Butler at the far post. Butler controlled the ball well but his shot lacked conviction and was blocked by a defender.

The pace of the game was fast and furious and Forest looked far more adventurous than they did in last years encounters. It was the Swans, however, that were the quicker in thought and deed.

Darren Pratley went close after an excellent move involving Mark Gower, Leon Britton, Jason Scotland and Ferrie Bodde.

Swans were looking composed at the back and Earnshaw was being well marshalled but winger Lee Martin was giving Marcus Painter problems.

Tom Butler had another chance but didn’t quite get enough on his shot before a superb move ended with Jason Scotland lifting the ball over a Forest defender right onto the head of Ferrie Bodde. The Dutch midfielder noticed Smith off his line and cleverly tried to lift a header over the keeper only to see the ball go agonizingly wide.

Totally against the run of play Forest equalised on 34 minutes. Martin got away from Marcus Painter and crossed the ball into the Swansea area. With the ball going across the six yard line there seemed little danger with no Forest player close enough to make contact. However, Dorus de Vries flung himself forward and pushed the ball straight onto the knee of James Perch and had to watch helplessly as the ball rolled over the line.

The goal quietened the crowd and dented the Swans players confidence. Roberto Martinez would have wanted half time to come early to rebuild his players confidence.

On the stroke of half time Swans had a great chance to take the lead their play had so richly deserved. Mark Gower’s free kick picked out Garry Monk’s run but the Swans captain somehow managed to head over the bar from just 5 yards out.

After a quiet start to the second half Swans fans worst nightmare almost became reality when for once Rob Earnshaw found some space in the Swans area and burst onto a loose ball with the goal at his mercy. His shot hit the outside of the post and rebounded to safety with 15,500 Swans fans collectively breathing a sigh of relief.

On the hour Matty Collins, who had started the second half poorly, was replaced by Angel Rangel.

On 62 minutes Swans had the first real chance of the second half. After a flowing movement involving Ferrie Bodde and Mark Gower, Jason Scotland received the ball on the edge of the box. His turn left his marker for dead but with just Smith to beat he fired his shot straight into the keeper’s arms.

Five minutes later and Gorka Pintado replaced Scotland.

On 69 minutes a flowing Swans move ended with Tom Butler being up ended after bursting into the Forest area. Ferrie Bodde took responsibility for taking the penalty but his shot was only just to the left of the keeper and the perfect height for him to save. Luckily for Bodde, Smith pushed his save straight back into the Dutchman who made no mistake second time.

Tom Butler looked to have picked up an injury in the Swans penalty incident and was replaced by Jordi Gomez. The substitution saw Swansea make a chance to the 4-5-1 formation. Leon Britton went to the right of midfield, Mark Gower switched to the left and Gomez played in the pocket behind Pintado.

Swans continued to push forward seeking the 3rd goal to kill off the game and Forest were forced to throw men forward to try to get something from the game.

Dorus de Vries redeemed himself for his earlier error with a great save from the ever dangerous Martin but it was Swansea who continued to have the bulk of possession and play the better football.

On 86 minutes the third and killer goal came and what a goal it was. Mark Gower burst down the left wing and perfectly picked out a near post run from Gorka Pintado. The Spaniard met the ball with the outside of his right foot and the only option looked to be a low drive at the near post but somehow he managed to smash the ball across goal and into the top corner of the net. I’m still not sure quite how he did it but the celebrations the goal brought were fantastic.

Swans saw the game out and recorded their first home League win over Forest in 54 years.

Ratings-

de Vries 6 – Will have nightmares over the Forest goal.

Collins 6 – Did Ok first half but for some reason looked nervous in the second half before his substitution.
Williams 8 – Solid and reliable.
Monk 7 – Not sure how he didn’t score. Only beaten once by Earnshaw.
Painter 6 – Given a real test by Lee Martin.

Butler 7 – Saw plenty of the ball and earned Swans penalty.
Britton 9 – Just sorry he couldn’t be credited with the goal he so richly deserved.
Pratley 8 – Ran his socks off.
Bodde 8 – Back approaching the form which led to his £2m valuation.
Gower 7 – Decent game but just looks as if he could offer that little bit more all the time.

Scotland 7- Thankless task up front alone but held the ball up well.

Subs-

Rangel 8 – Made such a difference to us in defence and attack.
Pintado 8 – Looks a real jewel. Will no doubt be a Swans hero with his no nonsense approach.
Gomez 7 – Tried hard to impose himself on the game.

Swansea: De Vries, Collins (Rangel 60), Williams, Monk, Painter, Britton, Bodde, Pratley, Gower, Butler (Gomez 72), Scotland (Pintado 66).
Subs Not Used: Bauza, Brandy.

Booked: Pratley, Bodde.

Goals: Smith 9 (og), Bodde 71, Pintado 86.

Nottm Forest: Smith, Chambers, Wilson, Morgan, Bennett, Perch, McGugan, Cohen (McCleary 80), Guy Moussi (Newbold 87), Martin, Earnshaw.
Subs Not Used: Roberts, Breckin, Thornhill.

Booked: Guy Moussi, Bennett.

Goals: Perch 35.

Att: 16,611

Referee: Paul Taylor (Hertfordshire).

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