Toshack: Victory has been coming

15th February

Cameron Toshack insists Swansea City Under-23s have reaped the rewards of their recent performances following tonight’s victory over Chelsea in Premier League 2.

The young Swans ran out 2-0 winners at the EBB Stadium thanks to goals from Keston Davies and Liam Cullen.

The development side have performed well in recent weeks against the likes of Liverpool and Everton, but been made to rue their lacking of a clinical edge in the final third.

Nevertheless, they were able to put things right against the Blues – much to the delight of Toshack.

“The players are really pleased to get the win,” the under-23s coach said. “It’s been coming for a little while.

“Against Liverpool and Everton, I thought we did enough to win both games on another day. Today, those chances went in and we could even have scored more goals.

“We’re a very proud football club and city and want to be competing with these teams. At the moment, I’m pleased to say that’s exactly what they’re doing.

“Our performances have been good and, if you perform, you will get your rewards.”

And there were various aspects of the performance that pleased Toshack as his side cut the gap on the teams above them in the Premier League 2 table to just four points.

“I thought the boys applied themselves very well tonight,” he continued. “When your group comes off the pitch having done everything you’ve asked of them, you can’t ask for anymore.

“Overall, there were a number of different facets to the game. We put them on the back foot and threatened their back line.

“The set-piece was also pleasing because that’s something we change from game to game depending on the opposition and how they set up. We were aware that Chelsea play a zonal system and, straightaway, we were able to unlock that.

“They have top-quality players including several English and Dutch internationals, and our boys have to stand up to that. When they did get tested, they stood up to it and worked very hard for the clean sheet, which they achieved.

“It gives the boys a real boost but, now, they must continue to work hard in training and apply themselves well in games.”