Joe Roberts pleased with second-half response from Under-18s

Coach Joe Roberts was pleased with how Swansea City Under-18s responded to a difficult first half to go on and claim a 4-0 win over Fleetwood Town in their opening game of the 2025/26 campaign. 

A second-half brace from Billy Clarke, an own goal and a Harvey Gray strike secured the perfect start to the league campaign for the Swans in Landore.

The Swans controlled long periods of the first half, enjoying several extended periods of possession, but they ran away with things in the second half following a straight red card for Fleetwood’s Mushi Bamba after a late challenge.

"It was a bit frustrating in the first-half. We could have been more connected, and a bit more intelligent with our play," said Roberts.

"Those were the messages at half-time, and it was nice to see them go and implement them in the second-half.

"The red card changed a lot of things for Fleetwood. It opened up the pitch a lot more, and made it easier to find space.

"It was a game of two halves from our side, we weren't where we wanted to be in terms of standards in the first half, but in the second half we showed signs of having more structure and purpose with the ball.

"There's still a lot of room to improve, but overall it's a pleasing start to the season for us."