Toshack rues missed chances

Cameron Toshack reckons Swansea City Under-23s’ lack of a clinical edge cost them in their defeat by Chelsea in Premier League 2.

The young Swans created plenty of opportunities to break the deadlock at Landore, but their failure to do so was punished by Chelsea, who claimed a 1-0 victory thanks to Joseph Colley’s 58th-minute strike.

That leaves the under-23s in 10th place in the top flight of development football, with just two points from their opening four games.

While Toshack praised the effort of his players, he insists they must learn quickly from today’s experience.

“I think it’s an opportunity missed,” the under-23s coach said. “The guys need to start realising that when you’re on top in the game and have territory and possession, you have to make it count.

“We were really pleased with the way we played in the first half. The players stuck to the plan and worked the ball into good areas.

“We created a lot of chances throughout the game – seven or eight were good opportunities to score – and, unfortunately, we didn’t take them.

“When that happens, you give a little bit of confidence to the opposition.”

Several players returned to the Swans’ starting line-up fresh from making their first-team debuts in the Carabao Cup clash with Crystal Palace.

Toshack has called on the players to step up to the plate in the weeks to come, as they look to break into the senior squad on a more frequent basis.

“Some of our players have been involved with the first team and stepped back into this environment as professional players,” he added.

“With the opportunities that are presenting themselves with the first team, our players must realise that they have to make an impact on these games.

“They need to be committed, learn and cannot afford to take their feet off the gas or feel hard done by.

“They have to show how much they want to be involved at the highest level.”