Swansea City Cameron Toshack

30th August 2016

Cameron Toshack believes Swansea City will gain valuable experience from their Checkatrade Trophy defeat against AFC Wimbledon on Tuesday.

The Swans, which started with a mix of youth and experience of four recognised first-team and seven development players, lost 3-0 at Kingsmeadow Stadium in their Group B clash.

Despite chances from Owain Jones and Marvin Emnes it was the home side who capitalised through a first-half strike from winger Andy Barcham before a brace from midfielder Dom Poleon secured a convincing win for Wimbledon.

"It was a disappointing defeat but the game is a valuable learning experience for our young players," said Toshack. "The idea of a competition like this is that our younger players learn from the experience and develop against experienced professionals.

"Wimbledon were a very competitive League One side who gave us a tough game. We battled well against them in the first half and were unlucky to go in a goal down at the break.

"We struggled to impose ourselves in our attacking play, which is something we have been very good at in recent weeks while our decision-making cost us."

The Swans included eight Under-23 players in their starting XI alongside the first-team experience of Emnes, Franck Tabanou and Gerhard Tremmel.

Despite the defeat, Toshack insisted the Swans still have a chance to progress in the competition with League Two sides Newport and Plymouth still to play.

"We have belief we can progress," he added. "It has been a good test for our younger academy players against League One opposition.

"Wimbledon were competitive and physical - some have never played at this level before, but this is the level we now know to expect.

"Tonight is a valuable learning experience. It is what games like this are all about and we know we need to come back stronger next time."