Swansea City Under-21s West Brom
14th December
Coach Gary Richards felt Swansea City Under-21s' 3-0 defeat at West Brom on Monday was a harsh reflection on his team's performance.
The young Swans had chances in front of goal at Tamworth's Lamb Ground but could not capitalise on their efforts to equalise after going behind to Tahvon Campbell's 34th-minute strike.
The young Swans had chances in front of goal at Tamworth's Lamb Ground but could not capitalise on their efforts to equalise after going behind to Tahvon Campbell's 34th-minute strike.
The Baggies went on to add two further goals via first-team duo Saido Berahino - who scored from the penalty spot - and Callum McManaman.
And despite a disappointing result, Richards felt the development squad did well against a side who are now joint top of Premier League Division Two.
And despite a disappointing result, Richards felt the development squad did well against a side who are now joint top of Premier League Division Two.
"I think 3-0 was a little harsh on us," he said. "There was not a lot between the two sides in the first half.
"We had good spells in the second period and looked to be getting back into it but the penalty ended our hopes of getting something from the game.
"If we had got a goal back during that period we could have turned it into a different result.
"West Brom are a good team and deserve to be where they are in the league, but it is a game our players will learn a lot from."
The U21s lined up against three first-team players on Monday night including midfielders Serge Gnarby and McManaman alongside striker Berahino, who has scored three goals in 11 Premier League appearances this season.
Swansea also included first-team midfielder Matt Grimes in their team, with the 20-year-old - who was an unused sub in Saturday's defeat at Manchester City - making his first appearance for the U21s this season.
Richards added: "Berahino and McManaman looked a threat and they gave West Brom that extra bit of class in front of goal.
Richards added: "Berahino and McManaman looked a threat and they gave West Brom that extra bit of class in front of goal.
"Even though they had first-team players in their team, I feel our development players did well against them. The difference was they were more clinical, but it was great experience for our players to face that calibre of player and we must look to use it as a good learning experience.
"It is disappointing to go into the Christmas break off the back of this result, but we must look to come back in the New Year ready to hit the ground running to be ready for the second phase of the season."
