Toshack: We deserved win

Cameron Toshack felt his side fully deserved their 3-1 victory over rivals Cardiff City as Swans Academy reached their fifth consecutive FAW Youth Cup final on Wednesday night.

The young Swans put in a fantastic performance to see off their rivals, securing the semi-final win courtesy of goals from Ryan Hedges, Josh Sheehan and Kyle Copp.

Hedges put the Swans in front, just before the half-hour mark, when he took advantage of a poor Tom Burridge back pass before slotting home past goalkeeper Joe Massaro.

Abdi Noor put Cardiff back on terms with a sweetly stuck half volley in the 54th minute.

But the Swans regained their advantage only ten minutes later when Sheehan struck home a wonder goal from 45-yards.

With ten minutes left on the clock, substitute Kyle Copp sealed Swansea's victory when he converted from the spot after he was fouled inside the opposition's penalty area.

Speaking after the game, Toshack was delighted with his team's efforts and felt the 3-1 scoreline was the right result.

"We are very pleased," explained the youth team coach. "Any win over Cardiff City at any level is pleasing. 

"I was particularly impressed with the way we constantly tried to get the ball down and pass on a very difficult pitch. 

"And credit to Cardiff as well, they tried to do the same.

"I thought we acquitted ourselves very well. The boys matched Cardiff in endeavour and effort, and in the end I don't think anyone would argue against our deserved win.

"I was pleased with our reaction after their boy scored, who took his goal very well. 

"We were aware of him as he played very well against us in a previous fixture.

"At times, when something like that happens, heads can go down, but we kept trying and were patient.

"Overall, the scoreline didn't flatter us. I think it was clear that we were probably two goals better.

"Cardiff deserved both their victories over us earlier in the season, but tonight we deserved ours."

Toshack also reserved special praise for Swansea's second goal scorer Josh Sheehan, who hit an incredible strike to restore the youngsters' lead after Abdi Noor levelled the scores just after half-time.

"It was a moment of genius," added Toshack. "When I saw him look up, I thought he was going to hit it. 

"I've seen it back and it was fantastic vision.

"Josh is obviously one that the club has high hopes for, and it was great to see him, when he comes to a place like this, show his extra quality.

"The goal probably gave everyone a little bit of a jolt and us a boost."