Report | Swansea City U21s 3 Wigan Athletic U21s 0
Swansea City’s Under-21s gained their first victory of the season as goals from Kyrell Wilson, Tarrelle Whittaker and Ben Lloyd helped them to a win over Wigan Athletic at the Swansea.com Stadium.
It was no less than the development side deserved for a performance of real energy and purpose, while keeper Archie Matthews also saved a penalty in the first age-grade fixture played at the stadium this term.
After a bright start the young Swans took the lead in the 15th minute after Wilson cut in from the right-hand side before firing in a low effort passed helpless Latics keeper Owen Mooney, following neat build up on the left-hand side by the impressive Lloyd.
Wigan grew in to the game as the half went on with Youssef Chentouf finding space down the Swans right-hand side. It was the pacy wide man who fashioned their best opening, collecting a neat pass from Luke Brennan before drawing a low save from keeper Matthews.
It was the Swans though who were fashioning the better chances, and they would have been wondering how they didn’t extend their lead before the interval.
Whitaker drove through before unleashing a powerful effort that clipped the top of the crossbar.
The Swans were fluid in their movement and energy. Josh Thomas and Joel Cotterill forced saves from Mooney as the Wigan keeper kept his side in the game after a goalmouth scramble.
The Swans, however, were not to be denied their second a minute into the second half. The impressive Whittaker curled an effort into the bottom right-hand corner after being found by Wilson on the edge of the Wigan penalty area.
However, a lapse in concentration nearly pulled Wigan back into the match after the hosts conceded a penalty.
Wigan were presented with their best opportunity, after Filip Lissah brought down Josh Stones.
But Matthews was up to the test, pulling off a stunning one-handed save with the strike seemingly heading for the top-left corner.
The Swans went on to seal the win late on with a stoppage-time third from Lloyd. The midfielder firing into the top corner after a cut back from sub Ruben Davies.
Swansea City Under-21s: A. Matthews, K. Ludvigsen, F. Lissah, J. Cotterill, B. Blythe, K. Wilson (Joe Thomas 62) ,T. Whittaker (C. Hurford 90), S. Leverett, J. Thomas (R. Davies 76), B. Lloyd, N. Ogbeta
Subs: H. Jones, R. Mitchell.
Wigan Athletic Under-21s: O. Mooney, K. Lloyd, C. Hughes, E.Mitchell, A. Sharif (K. Worsley), B. Adeeko, Y.Chentouf, J. Adams (H. McHugh), J.Stones, D.Dwyer, L.Breenan (R.Greval)
Subs: T.Watson, J.Rodwell.
