Swansea City Under-18s Southampton Premier League Group 3
27th February
A second half Southampton equaliser denied Swansea City Under-18s all three points in their opening Barclays Premier League group 3 play-off match at Staplewood on Saturday.
The Swans fell a goal behind after just four minutes as striker Dan N'Lundulu stabbed home from close range to give the hosts an early lead.
Swansea were soon back on level terms when winger Liam Edwards got behind the defence to fire a through ball goalwards only for the effort to be turned into his own net by Saints' Ollie Gardner.
It got even better for the young Swans as they took the lead after 23 minutes. It was Edwards who proved the threat once again as he fired home a loose ball inside the area.
The visitors had chances to extend their lead in the second half as defenders Ben Cabango and Aaron Lewis hit the woodwork while Liam Cullen also went close.
But both sides would share the spoils at Staplewood as a cross from Connor Langan looped over Thomas to deny the Swans an opening play-off win.
Coach Eric Ramsay expressed his delight at the result but believes the U18s could have earned all three points.
"We had an excellent first-half performance," he said. "Where we dominated possession and created a number of clear cut chances.
"We controlled the start of the second half but our chances dried up and it let Southampton back into the game before their equaliser came.
"This result is definitely something we can build on heading into our game against Manchester United next week where we hope we can be more ruthless in front of goal.
"Overall it was a very pleasing performance for myself and Chris (Llewellyn), but due to the chances we had the result feels like two points dropped rather than one gained."
SWANS UNDER-18s: Lewis Thomas (c), Mael Davies, Ben Cabango, Dan Jefferies, Aaron Lewis, Jack Evans, Jack Watts, Kieran Evans (Brandon Griffiths 75), Liam Cullen, Liam Edwards (Marco Dulca 55), Jordan Garrick.
SUBS NOT USED: Alex Lang (GK), Sean Hanbury.
