On this Day: Eventful opening match for Molby

This week's #ThrowbackThursday recalls a memorable opening-day win under the leadership of Jan Molby.

Swansea City 2 Rochdale 1

Third Division

Saturday, August 17, 1996

It proved an eventful opening game of the campaign for Jan Molby and the Swans, with the Great Dane in the thick of the action against Rochdale.

The Vetch witnessed a match which delivered a penalty, red card and three goals, but, importantly, it was the Swans who picked up three points.

The Swans were quick out of the blocks as Dai Thomas gave them the lead after 13 minutes.

David Penney doubled the hosts’ lead just before the break with the Swans in full control.

But the dismissal of Molby – who had earlier missed a penalty - following a second booking meant the Swans were under the cosh.

Mike Cecere cut the deficit with three minutes left to give the visitors hope, but the Swans just managed to hold on and clinch an opening-day win.

The Swans went on to lose the next four league matches – six including cup games – but the season would culminate in a visit to Wembley for the Play-Off final.

But it proved a day to forget as Northampton scored a free-kick in additional time to win promotion to the Second Division.

Swans: Roger Freestone (Shaun Chapple, 90), Richard Appleby, Mark Clode, Jan Molby, Shaun Garnett, Steve Jones, Damian Lacey, David Penney, Steve Torpey, Kwame Ampadu, Dai Thomas (Linton Brown, 75).

Sub not used: Colin McDonald.

Attendance: 4,272