‘It was a special victory’

12th March

Cameron Toshack hailed Swansea City Under-23s’ ninth Premier League 2 win of the season as a ‘special’ one after they swept aside title-chasing Leicester City at Landore.

A double from George Byers and Kenji Gorre’s 12th of the season saw the Swans triumph 3-1 courtesy of an outstanding attacking display.

The result lifts the development side up to fourth in the Division 1 table.

A clinical performance saw the young Swans score with 50 per cent of their shots on goal before defending the victory with 10 men when Mael Davies saw red for a late challenge.

“To compete with the league leaders is a challenge in any league,” Toshack said. “We are really pleased with the performance and result.

“It was a special victory because they are a strong side. They are not top of the league for no reason.

“They have an experienced group who are used to playing under-23 football and they made it very difficult, especially in the second half.

“But this victory ranks up there with some of our best this season, including the wins over Liverpool and Arsenal.”

The Swans defended their lead gallantly in the second half as Brandon Cooper and Jordan Garrick suffered injuries during the game.

The development side next face relegation-threatened Manchester United at the Liberty Stadium this Sunday.

“It is important we are still challenging teams at the top as we come to the business end of the season.” Toshack continued “Tonight the players ticked all the boxes.

“Leicester are a side who are not used to losing. You could see that in the second half as they fought to get back into the game.

“They put us under pressure, but we were dogged in the second half, which we needed to be. Gary (Richards) and I are delighted that after working on our game management, we saw out the game out for the win.

“That is part of the challenge these young men have to get used to. If they are to succeed on loan in League One and Two, they need to make sure they can compete with that brand of football.

“We can take a lot from tonight’s game as we prepare for Manchester United this weekend.”