Byron Anthony | U18s rewarded for impressive displays

Byron Anthony says Swansea City Under-18s reaped deserved rewards for their efforts after coming from behind to see off Crewe Alexandra 3-1 at Landore.

The young Swans claimed their first win in seven games, having overturned a 1-0 deficit in the Professional Development League clash.

Michael Williams cancelled out Panashe Makokowe’s own-goal by also putting through his own net, before a brilliant Cameron Congreve free-kick put Anthony’s side in front.

Makokowe then scored at the right end four minutes after the restart to ensure maximum points for the hosts.

The victory saw the young Swans follow up an encouraging performance in their midweek draw with Ipswich Town at St George’s Park.

Once again, Anthony’s players looked threatening in attack, while demonstrating stubbornness and solidity at the other end of the field.

And the under-18s coach was pleased to see their efforts pay dividends.

“The players have been rewarded for their performances in the last two games,” he said.

“They’ve trained well, recovered, got back on the pitch and delivered an extremely good performance.

“We’ve looked really difficult to play against; the energy and commitment has been fantastic.

“The work rate – to be able to run forward and get back to defend – was also evident. Every single one put a shift in and deserved the result.

“We could have scored a few more chances in the first half, and could have been 4-1 up at half-time.

“Then, it was about replicating our performance levels in the second half, getting the next goal and winning comfortably.

“There were times when we could have been cleaner with our passing and getting in their box to get more shots away.

“But for me, the pleasing thing was the performance without the ball; being able to be resolute and resilient, while being ruthless at the other end.”