Toshack pleased despite Barry defeat

26th July

Cameron Toshack felt Swansea City Under-23s could take plenty of positives from their latest pre-season game.

The young Swans were beaten 2-0 by Barry Town United, with the Welsh Premier League side scoring two first-half goals at Jenner Park.

However, their performance levels improved after the break and they were unlucky to leave empty-handed.

And Toshack was pleased with the response the players showed to falling behind.

“Overall, I think there were lots of positives to take from the game,” he said. “We started poorly and invited a little bit too much pressure in a game against men where you need to be on the front foot and asking questions of them.

“We were a little bit tentative in getting the ball from back to front and lost our way a little bit, which gave them momentum. 

“But we were really pleased with the second half and the boys deserve a lot of credit.

“We were pretty much camped in their half. The movement was very good, we got into some good positions and passed the ball around a men’s team very well.”

Barry were the third senior opposition side faced by the young Swans during a pre-season that has also seen them take on Truro City and Bristol Manor Farm.

Toshack believes the players have performed well, but has encouraged them to sharpen up in one area of their game in particular.

“A lot of the boys aren’t used to playing against men, but they’ve done very well,” he added.

“This was their third game against a senior side and they have had to learn very quickly.

“But goals win games and, no matter how well you’re playing, you have to take your chances. Barry were a little bit more mature and better in both boxes.

“Hopefully, moving forward, we’ll be able to put that right.”