U18s secure top-half finish

30th April

Swansea City Under-18s ended their 2017-18 league season with a narrow 3-2 defeat against Southampton at Landore.

The home side started brightly and took the lead on 12 minutes when Tom Price headed home Jacob Jones’ cross.

But the Saints fired back with an equaliser just before the half hour when Jonathan Afolabi rounded goalkeeper Nathan Shepperd to slot into an empty net.

The visitors’ celebrations didn’t last long as Swansea were awarded a penalty for a handball just seconds later. Kees de Boer stepped up to put them back into the lead before half-time.

The Swans almost extended their lead early in the second half with Josh Thomas and then Mason Jones-Thomas going close.

But Southampton pushed for an equaliser and found one through Enzo Robise after an hour, when the French midfielder pounced on a mix-up at the back.

The Swans endeavoured to retake the lead for a second time with substitute Shaquille Wynter-Coles almost netting a third.

However it was Southampton who would net the winner inside the last 10 minutes when Shepperd's superb save rebounded off the crossbar and into the path of Saints defender Harry Hamblin, who steered the ball home.

Despite defeat, the young Swans finish the season sixth in the Premier League South with nine wins. That is their best performance since gaining category one academy status three seasons ago.

Swans U18s: Nathan Shepperd, Ryan Bevan, Jacob Jones, Daniel Williams (Marc Walsh, 85), Joe Lewis, Cameron Evans, Tom Price, Kees de Boer, Josh Thomas (Shaquille Wynter-Coles, 62), Oliver Cooper (capt), Mason Jones-Thomas (Cameron Berry, 62).

Subs not used: William Rickard, Alex Lang.

Southampton U18s: Jack Bycroft, Kayne Ramsey, Jake Vokins, Harry Hamblin, Jamie Bradley Green, Christoph Klarer (capt), Enzo Robise (Harrison Davis, 73), Kornelius Hansen (Dan Bartlett, 56), Michael Obafemi, Will Smallbone, Jonathan Afolabi.

Subs not used: Adam Parkes, Simon Kozak, Christian Norton.