Byron Anthony | Our second-half showing was disappointing

Swansea City Under-18s coach Byron Anthony felt that his side were let down by their second half performance in their 4-1 defeat to Millwall Under-18s.

The Swans found themselves 2-1 down at half-time, with Cameron Congreve’s goal being wiped out by two Millwall penalties, with second half goals from Zak Lovelto and Kyle Smith seeing the visitors run out comfortable winners.

Anthony felt that his side played well in the first half but was disappointed with the manner of their second-half showing at Landore.

“In the second half I thought we were disappointing, the decision making in possession needed to be better and out of possession we weren’t alert enough to deal with Millwall’s threat and we concede two sloppy goals in the second half,” said Anthony.

“In the first half we played some good stuff, we found space in between the two units, we played through when we could and switched when we needed, and it gave us chances.

“It’s disappointing, I think we started brightly and on the front foot, we had worked on some things in the week that could support us and support our development, we started the game ok, but then obviously it’s a bit of a disappointment with the penalty that went against us, they score their penalty and we’re trying to chase the game then.

“We just weren’t good enough with the ball in the final third. In the first half we kept prodding and eventually we got our rewards, but we just weren’t consistent enough with it.

“We’ve got to realise that it’s still a young group, there are a lot of first year scholars in that team and what normally happens is that time will tell with their development collectively and as individuals.

“Whenever you lose a game, you want to get some sort of consistency within the group, so we will try and arrange some sort of in-house game next week and try to get something were the players can practice on the ball and out of possession.”

Swansea City Under-18s now have a two week break before returning to action when they travel to Watford Under-18s in the Professional Development League Cup.