Report: Cheltenham Town 1 Swans U21s 2
Swansea City Under-21s came from behind to beat League Two side side Cheltenham Town in their Checkatrade Trophy season opener at the LCI Rail Stadium.
Substitute Kyle Storer had put Cheltenham ahead as he scored direct from a corner, but the visitors were not to be denied as Kenji Gorre's sublime free-kick and Aaron Lewis' neat finish handed the young Swans victory.
The Swans made one change to the side that lost against Liverpool in Premier League 2 on Friday.
Jack Evans came back into midfield while winger Kenji Gorre dropped to the bench.
New signing Courtney Baker-Richardson featured on the bench and was available for selection after gaining clearance to play earlier in the day.
Cheltenham lined up with a mix of youth and experience as Gary Johnson handed first starts to Rhys Lovett, Josh Thomas, Adam Page and George Lloyd.
The Robins also handed start for former Swansea City youngster Jamie Grimes.
The young Swans started brightly against the EFL side as midfielder Adnan Maric fired inches over the bar from 25 yards.
Cheltenham's Adam Page, Dan Holmes and George Lloyd tested Gregor Zabret in the Swans net in the first half while, at the other end, winger Jordan Garrick had two big chances to give the Swans the lead but failed to capitalise before the break.
An injection of experience from substitute Storer gave the Robins the lead minutes after the restart as he scored straight from a corner.
Adam King looked almost certain to level midway through the half as Matthew Bower blocked the effort that looked destined for an open goal.
But the Swans did find the net in the 73rd minute as substitute Gorre superbly curled home a free-kick from the edge of the area.
Ten minutes later and Swansea took the lead as new signing Baker-Richardson came off the bench to deliver a cross for Lewis to rifle home the winner.
Cheltenham battled to get something from the game with late chances from Storer and Jordan Cranston, but the young Swans held out for all three points.
SWANS U21s: Gregor Zabret, Tyler Reid, Aaron Lewis, Cian Harries, Joe Rodon (Capt), Jack Evans, Adnan Marić, Adam King, George Byers, Jordan Garrick (Kenji Gorrè, 61), Botti Biabi (Courtney Baker-Richardson, 53).
SUBS NOT USED: Lewis Thomas, Tom Plezier, Liam Cullen, Marco Dulca, Keiran Evans.
CHELTENHAM TOWN: Rhys Lovett, Jamie Grimes (Will Boyle, 61) Harry Pell (Jordan Cranston, 46), Dan Holman, Carl Winchester (Kyle Storer, 46), Dan O'Shaughnessy, Adam Page, Matt Bower, Josh Thomas, Brian Graham, George Lloyd.
SUBS NOT USED: Jonathan Flatt, Danny Wright, Lee Llewellyn.
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