Toshack proud of players despite cup exit

Cameron Toshack insists the Under-18s can be proud of their efforts despite bowing out of the FA Youth Cup following Wednesday's defeat against Chelsea.

The young Swans suffered a 6-0 reverse against the five-time winners and reigning champions after wins over Doncaster and Watford to reach the last 16.

Chelsea found themselves with a two-goal advantage going into half-time thanks to strikes from Tammy Abraham, with the winger completing his hat-trick in the second period.

The impressive Dominic Solanke helped himself to a brace, while substitute Kasey Palmer netted the other for the hosts.

However, the visitors created a number of goalscoring chances throughout the contest, and coach Cameron Toshack was pleased with the squad's effort and application.

"This group has come a long way and played very well in all the games in this competition," he said.

"We've got the ball down and played how we want to as a club and as an academy, and we're very proud of them.

"We spoke after the game and Chelsea are probably the best in the world for their age. They are very disciplined and move the ball very quickly. As holders, they will take some beating but we can be proud of our efforts."

It was the first time that the Under-18s had come up against a category one side this season, while Chelsea looked intent on progressing in the competition that they won last season.

"The boys are a little bit down because they didn't feel as though they deserved to concede six - and could have had a couple of goals ourselves," said Toshack.

"We managed to create four very good chances, and on another day it could have been a different game.

"We had little phases of play where we got in behind them, but they moved the ball very quickly and some of their individual talent was very impressive.

"At times the gap was clear to see, but it was a great learning curve for the players."