Report: Manchester City U23s 0 Swans U23s 1

2nd February

Kenji Gorre scored in stoppage time as Swansea City Under-23s snatched a dramatic 1-0 victory over Manchester City to go fourth in Premier League 2.

Chances were few and far between during a generally cagey contest, which appeared to be heading for a goalless draw at the Academy Stadium.

But after coming off the bench in the final 20 minutes, Gorre had the final say as his deflected shot gave the young Swans all three points and extended their unbeaten run in the league to seven matches.

The Swans, who named an unchanged starting XI following their 3-0 victory over West Ham United on Monday, saw their opponents provide the greater threat in the first half with Javairo Dilrosun and Rabbi Matondo linking up well down the right flank.

Dilrosun’s dangerous 21st-minute cross just missed a final touch, while Matt Smith’s 25-yard effort floated just wide of the target and Tom Dele-Bashiru shot straight at Gregor Zabret after a strong run later in the half.

Meanwhile, the Swans’ best chance of the first period saw Dan James race in behind the home defence in the dying moments, but the hosts recovered to prevent Jordon Garrick from latching on to his square ball.

Dilrosun continued to carry a threat after the break as he fired over from a tight angle, while Matondo unleashed a fierce shot that flashed across the face of goal.

At the other end, some neat link-up play by the visitors resulted in Courtney Baker-Richardson laying the ball off for George Byers, who drilled an effort over the crossbar.

Matondo went close again for Manchester City in the final few minutes as the match appeared to be drifting towards a draw.

However, the Swans snatched all three points right at the death as Botti Biabi’s flick allowed Byers to roll the ball into the path of substitute Gorre, whose 10th goal of the season deflected beyond the helpless dive of Arijanet Muric.

Manchester City U23s: Arijanet Muric, Eric Garcia, Joel Latibeaudiere (capt), Ed Francis, Iker Pozo, Matt Smith, Rabbi Matondo, Tom Dele-Bashiru (Tommy Doyle 62), Lorenzo Gonzalez (Nabil Touaizi ht), Javairo Dilrosun, Ian Carlo Poveda.

Subs not used: Tyreke Wilson, Curtis Anderson, Marcus Wood.

Swans U23s: Gregor Zabret, Aaron Lewis, Matic Paljk, Jack Evans, Cian Harries (capt), Brandon Cooper, Daniel James (Kenji Gorre 72), Adnan Marić, Courtney Baker-Richardson (Botti Biabi 71), George Byers, Jordon Garrick.

Subs not used: Mael Davies, Steven Benda, Marco Dulca.