Swansea City Under-21s Aston Villa Premier League Division Two
22nd February
Coach Gary Richards admitted he was left disappointed as Swansea City Under-21s lost 2-1 against Aston Villa in Premier League Division Two on Monday night.
The Swans started the better side at Walsall's Banks's Stadium but failed to capitalise in the final third as Villa took a 2-0 advantage into half-time.
Oliver McBurnie pulled a goal back from the penalty spot five minutes after Villa were reduced to ten men, but despite creating chances could not find an equaliser before full-time.
"We started the better side and looked set for a good performance but we conceded two disappointing goals before half-time which changed the momentum of the game," said Richards.
"If we had taken the early chances we created it could have been a very different game.
"We needed to move the ball quicker, especially after Villa went down to ten men because the slower pace benefited them and cost us.
"We see this game as a wasted opportunity not to have picked up points but we have to give credit to Aston Villa - they defended well and made it difficult for us.
"It is a disappointing defeat for us. We have missed an opportunity to win a game in hand and maintain our momentum in the league.
"We must look to learn from this game and refocus ahead of our match away at Blackburn next week."
