Report | Swansea City Under-21s 4 Colchester United Under-21s 1
Swansea City Under-21s returned to winning ways as they secured a handsome victory in a pulsating encounter - including two penalties - against Colchester in the Professional Development League at Landore.
After trailing to an early Kai Redgrave goal, the young Swans levelled before the break and then coasted to victory with a clinical second-half display.
A double from Josh Thomas, a Ruben Davies tap-in and a converted spot-kick from Tarrelle Whittaker earned a deserved three points and a second victory of the season for coaches Jon Grey and Anthony Wright.
The young Swans line up was boosted by the return of Wales age-grade internationals Ben Lloyd, Joel Cotterill,, Kai Ludvigsen and Josh Thomas, while there was also the welcome sight of Azeem Abdulai returning to action after a lengthy spell out through injury.
Both sides were looking to bounce back from defeat in their previous games, but things could not have got off to a worse start for the hosts as they conceded within 60 seconds of kick-off.
An error in midfield was taken advantage of by Ryan Lowe. His resulting through ball found Redgrave, whose deft chip lifted the ball over advancing Swans keeper Archie Matthews and into the net.
There were opportunities for the Swans to respond almost immediately, Joe Thomas’ effort only finding the side netting after good build-up play from Cotterill and Whittaker launched the Swans attack.
Joe Thomas was involved again as Swansea dominated the early proceedings. His cross from the right-hand side found namesake Josh Thomas, whose first-time effort brought a fine save from visiting keeper Jayden Peglar.
Despite having the best of the opening period, the enthusiastic Redgrave was a constant menace for the Swans on the counter-attack down the right-hand side with his pace and skill.
The young Swans started to find their rhythm in possession, coming close once more midway through the half. Whittaker driving a shot wide on the turn, after being found just outside the penalty area by Nathanael Ogbeta.
But the home side's dominance was rewarded in the 24th minute with a Swans equaliser. Joe Thomas worked hard to retrieve a hopeful ball over the top of the visiting defence and was brought down by keeper Peglar to see the referee point to the spot without hesitation.
Up stepped Whittaker, who drilled home the resulting spot-kick to the goalkeeper's right-hand side for his fourth goal of the season.
This brought a response this time from the U’s. Dangerman Redgrave once more finding space on the right-hand side, driving an effort at the Swans goal which stung the palms of Matthews.
The young Swans started the second half in a similar fashion, carving out an early opportunity. Ogbeta and Josh Thomas linked on the left, before the former cut the ball back for the striker to fire low past the visiting keeper. It was a reward for the Swans dominance and gave them the lead for the first time.
Cotterill nearly extended the advantage minutes later. His 25-yard free kick seemed to be destined for the top corner only for Peglar to produce a splendid one-handed save to deny the midfielder.
But Josh Thomas extended the lead five minutes later, firing in on the half volley after another smart Swans breakaway.
Swansea were in ruthless mood and soon added another goal. Josh Thomas was this time the supplier, sliding in substitute Davies to tap home after Joe Thomas had won the ball strongly in midfield.
There were further chances for Whittaker, who had a late second spot-kick of the game saved, and Josh Thomas but nevertheless the Swans ran out convincing winners.
The under-21s are next in action in their south Wales derby against Cardiff City at the Cardiff International Sports Stadium on Tuesday October 11.
Swansea City Under-21s: Archie Matthews (Remy Mitchell), Kai Ludvigsen (Kian Jenkins), Wasiri Williams (Harry Jones), Azeem Abdulai (Ruben Davies), Brandon Cooper (captain), Joe Thomas, Tarrelle Whittaker, Joel Cotterill, Josh Thomas, Ben Lloyd, Nathanael Ogbeta (Lincoln Mcfayden).
Colchester United Under-21s: Jayden Peglar, Lordon Akolbire (captain), Lion Beko (Taizo Marcel-Dilaver), Matt Yates, Andrew Palmer-Brown (Frankie Edwards), Naz Knereouche, Kai Redgrave, Ryan Lowe (Bayan Aman), Jamie Arnold, Kennedy Mupomba, Kaan Bennet.
Unused subs: Jaime Tedaldi, Sean Brown.