U18s suffer narrow defeat

12th April

Swansea City Under-18s suffered a narrow 3-2 defeat at Sheffield United in their final game of the league season on Saturday.

Despite leading 2-1, courtesy of goals from Joseph Jones and Kyle Copp, two late strikes saw the Blades snatch all three points in the Professional Development League Two (South) fixture.

The hosts took the lead early on in the first period, but the Swans fought back to level the scores through Joseph Jones before the midway point.

Early on in the second-half, Kyle Copp put the young Swans in front when he latched onto a great cross from the right by Connor Roberts.

Cameron Toshack's side appeared to be in control, heading into the final period of the match, but Sheffield United goals in the 80th and 87th minute saw the hosts steal all three points.

And, reflecting on the morning's proceedings, the Swans Under-18s manager felt his side deserved more from the game but paid the price for costly errors.

"We played well and deserved more," said Toshack. "But again our nemesis is defending set-pieces. 

"We knew Sheffield would be a threat from set-pieces, but we conceded from two.

"After going a goal down, we responded well, and at 2-1 up, we looked comfortable. We passed the ball well and had three or four chances to kill the game off.

"But as what often happens in games, Sheffield United had a good ten minute spell and took advantage, hitting one from 35-yards that flew in before scoring the winner from a set-piece.

"The two goals from set-pieces could have been avoided, which is disappointing.

"But whilst it wasn't the ideal finish to our league season, the boys deserve credit for how they played. They kept their shape well and created a lot of opportunities to score goals."