Darren Davies | The result bodes well for us moving forward

9th April
Darren Davies

Swansea City Under-18s coach Darren Davies has urged his players to stick to their principles and values after producing a fine performance in a 3-1 victory at Sheffield Wednesday.

Davies’ side found themselves behind in the first half to a stunning strike from Danny Wassell, but goals from Corey Hurford and Iwan Morgan pulled the Swans into the lead before substitute Kyrell Wilson netted to seal three points in the Professional Development League clash.

The Swans had chances to extend their lead further, with Hurford coming close to a second and Morgan having a spot-kick saved.

Davies felt that his side benefited from the international break and encouraged his players to stick to the identity that served them so well in south Yorkshire.

“It was a very good performance today and I thoroughly enjoyed the game, I thought we were very good out of possession and true to our values we pressed high, we won the ball back, we tried to transition,” said Davies.

“I think the international break served us well. The last two games before the break we were fatigued and it showed in our performances, freshening the bodies up and having some good work on the training pitch certainly helped.

“We were good today; we’ve come up here with a predominantly very young side so that also bodes well for next year.

“As long as we stay true to our values and to our culture, what we are trying to do and what we are trying to build, how we act as people as well as players, then we’re on a good path. The players need to know that and stay true to those values.

“You could see them in our play. The second goal comes from our back three squeezing and then transitioning and scoring so credit goes to everybody, respectfully I think it could have been one or two more today, we’ve had a penalty saved and their keeper has been outstanding to be fair to him.

“Win, lose or draw we analyse the performance, winning is part of their development but I think it was a really positive step forward for next year.

“The majority of that team are first years and under-16s even, so that goes to show where we are at and what we are trying to do.

“But I think special mention needs to go to two second years in particular in Josh Edwards and Tyler Evans, they were fantastic so I think they need recognition.

“Sheffield Wednesday are doing well this year, so for us to come here and put on the performance that we did is encouraging and pleasing.

“There has been a big turn around in this group in 2022, when you’re asking the young players to press the way we do, they can’t do it week in week out and I believe that was the drop off.

“After the international break we freshened things up, had some good work on the pitch and we saw the benefits today.”