Samuel inspires U18s comeback

A second-half brace from Alex Samuel saw Swansea City Under-18s come from behind to draw 2-2 with Bristol City on Saturday.

The young Swans found themselves two goals down before half-time to the visitors, but two late strikes by Samuel capped off a terrific performance and comeback by the home side.

Against a technically astute Bristol City, the Swans starlets dominated the ball throughout the match, with nearly 60 per cent of total possession.

After the match, Youth Team Coach Cameron Toshack praised the players for their efforts over recent weeks.

"The group have really galvanised," said Toshack. "We've had two really tough games over the past couple of weeks - one against QPR when we went down to ten men and fought back, and we did the same on Saturday.

"We've changed things a little bit with how the boys are training and the structure we play slightly, while maintaining the philosophy of keeping the ball.

"The players are giving their best in training everyday and we are reaping the benefits.

"There were good performances all over the pitch, especially from the likes of Kyle Copp, Stevie Fallon, Connor Roberts and Alex Samuel.

"A special mention for Alex, who created the opportunity for us to score against QPR and he scored two poacher's goals today.

"Overall, the pleasing thing was that, previously this season, the team have tired towards the end of the game, but in the last two they have pulled together and come from behind.

"We look better in terms of our fitness and in terms of our discipline structurally in keeping our shape. 

"There's still a lot of work to do - the boys know that - but they have acquitted themselves really well since they've come back from Christmas."

Saturday's fixture against Bristol City was also a landmark moment for Spanish midfielder Pau Morer, who made his first appearance for Swans U18s.

Swans U18s are next in action on Saturday, February 1, when they travel to south-east London to face Millwall.