Jon Grey | We had good spells, it's about finding consistency

Swansea City Under-21s head coach Jon Grey was pleased with his side's showing in their hard-fought draw at Charlton Athletic, but has urged them to cut out costly lapses in concentration.

The young Swans kicked off 2023 with a draw away to the Addicks after a Tarrelle Whittaker strike secured a point in their Professional Development League clash.

The young Addicks had taken the lead shortly before the interval after Dylan Gavin fired home from close range.

But in-form forward Whittaker was on target for the visitors with a fine free-kick as it ended all-square at Princes Park. 

“It was a real good battling performance, especially in the second-half. We probably dominated the game for much of the first half, but then we came under pressure and conceded,” said Grey.  

“We dug in and came back. We played fairly well after half-time, although we felt we went a little bit long on occasions. But overall, I’m happy with the way we defended and saw out the game to get a point. 

“It was a good performance by everyone. We switched off for 10 minutes in the first half where we conceded a goal and that’s probably cost us not getting the three points.  

“At half-time, I told them just to keep going. We played particularly well and had control of the game for long periods and played some good football on a tough surface. 

“We continued to show our style, but what we must do is eliminate these lapses in concentration to ensure that we keep clean sheets, though I thought (goalkeeper) Ben Hughes was fantastic today.  

“The younger lads did really well, too, they’re getting this exposure at under-21 level, and they’ve all got on the pitch today and done their best. We thought Iwan [Morgan] had got the winner but he was just offside. 

“I’m delighted with the way they performed, it’s a testament to the work that we’re all doing from under-18 level upwards, as they can come up to this level and look comfortable.”