Young Swans bidding to reach MPC knockout

The Under-19s will be bidding to reach the knockout stage of the Metropolitan Premier Cup on Saturday when they face the University of Stellenbosch (8am GMT).

The young Swans began the tournament with a comfortable 4-0 win over Battswood on Thursday, but suffered a setback on Friday as they lost 3-1 against South African side Harmony Academy.

However, victory on Saturday morning would see the squad reach the last 16 of the competition, with the first knockout game also being played on Saturday afternoon.

And coach Gary Richards is hoping for a reaction from the players following Friday's defeat.

"It looked like we would grow in confidence following the win on Thursday," he said. "We were very confident going into the opening game and we certainly came away from that a lot happier.

"The boys did everything we hoped they would - they passed the ball quickly and created plenty of chances.

"We were hoping for more of the same on Friday but sometimes that's easier said than done.

"We came across a team that was playing for their lives. They had a lot of pace and we didn't pass it as well as we can, so it was a complete contrast.

"But football can kick you in the teeth sometimes and it can certainly test your character, and that's something I hope will happen on Saturday.

"We want the players to be confident but not complacent, and we hope that we get a reaction in our final group game.

"But the trip so far has been a fantastic experience and we hope that it goes on a lot longer than Saturday."