We let point slip through our hands, says Ben Erickson after under-23s defeat

Ben Erickson felt Swansea City Under-23s let a point slip through their hands against Coventry City after two late goals condemned them to a 3-1 defeat.

The under-23s had looked set to claim a deserved share of the spoils against the Sky Blues in Landore on Thursday afternoon after sub Tarrelle Whittaker’s equaliser with nine minutes left.

But Fabio Tavares’ goal and a late Richard Dinangia effort meant the Swans were left empty handed despite dominating large spells of the game.

And Erickson, who played on the left side of a three-man defence, admits a failure to manage the game at a crucial period proved costly.

“It was frustrating because despite starting the game slowly in the first half and conceding a sloppy goal, we were well on top in the second half,” said Erickson. “We were playing well, creating chances and moving the ball well.

“We got our goal through Tarrelle and at that point we really needed to calm everything down, control the game and dictate the pace. That didn’t happen, and it’s a big lesson for us. We conceded two late goals against Millwall recently too, so that’s something that we need to improve on.

“For their first goal, it’s a mistake from own goal-kick, but we’ll never be afraid to try those things. It’s all part of our learning curve, and the most important thing is to believe in what we’re doing, and never shy away from it.”

The under-23s are back in action on Monday night when they host Cardiff City in Landore (7pm).