Match Report

SWANSEA CITY secured promotion to the Championship with a nerve-wracking victory over Gillingham, yet another one of their so-called bogey teams.

Victory at the Priestfield Stadium has ensured Roberto Martinez's men will be the first Swansea team in 24 years to grace the second tier of English football. It's been a long wait for the club but, as their superb season draws to a close, the Swans have finally made sure their promotion dream will become a reality.

Guillem Bauza was undoubtedly the hero of the day. Two goals in as many minutes at the end of the first half cancelled out Dennis Oli's early strike and capped a brilliant man-of-the match display from the Spanish striker.

Oli's goal ensured the Swansea faithful were put through yet another tense afternoon. But it was sheer joy as opposed to relief that took over when all was said and done.

And, while it wasn't a vintage performance from skipper Alan Tate and co, nobody cared as they danced around to mass chants of "we are going up." Swansea have earned any luck they have got this season and today was no exception.

Such was the joy at securing promotion, the fact Swansea had beaten the club record of 85 points in a season went relatively unnoticed. Needless to say ample praise for topping such a landmark will have to follow in the close season.

Make no mistake though, winning promotion and setting a new record is not enough for Martinez and his squad. And, with Carlisle losing 3-2 Leeds, tonight's celebrations will already have turned to a strong focus on ensuring the Swans arrive in the Championship as League One champions.

With Paul Anderson and Marcos Painter making their long-awaited returns to the first XI, Martinez made three changes from the side that drew with Carlisle on Tuesday. And, in what turned out to yet another master stroke from the Spaniard, Bauza came in for the unlucky Febian Brandy in attack.

As they looked to secure promotion, Swansea showed plenty of promise in the opening stages. But it was actually the hosts that should have opened the scoring after 12 minutes.

Oli's long-range effort deflected fortuitously off Tate to reach Simeon Jackson unmarked in the box. The youngster snatched at the chance though and blazed his shot over from close range.

Swansea's afternoon took a turn for the worse just 10 minutes later. Nicky Southall found himself in space on the right flank and, when the wingback's cross eventually reached Oli, the big striker calmly slotted the ball past Dorus de Vries to make it 1-0.

The Gills could then have doubled their lead on two separate occasions in the next 10 minutes. Fortunately for Martinez and his team, neither Oli nor Wales international Andrew Crofts could keep their respective efforts on target.

With six defeats in their last eight games against Gillingham, it wasn't looking good for the Swans. But this has been a season for overcoming hoodoos and Bauza's double soon turned the game on its head.

Both goals followed an identical pattern; long-range efforts from Andy Robinson were spilled by Derek Stillie in the Gillingham goal and Bauza was left to knock the ball home.

The striker's first after 44 minutes was contentious to say the least. Stillie had failed to hold on to Robinson's shot but, as Pratley lunged in to win the rebound, referee Clive Penton could easily have given a foul against the midfielder. He didn't though and Bauza had the simplest of tap-ins to level the scores.

The Gills fans and players were outraged. But they soon felt even worse when the Spaniard grabbed his second in injury time. Stillie was once again at fault but this time, when the ball game to the striker, it took a much better finish to make it 2-1.

The Swans definitely didn't deserve their lead. But, having failed to get the points some of their recent performances deserved, it seemed footballing karma had decided to play a part in their promotion.

The second half ended up just being a blur of Gillingham pressure followed by Swansea counterattacks. But there was very little in terms of actual chances.

The hosts constantly tried to push forwards but, with the Swans back four looking reasonably comfortable throughout, it was only in the final 10 minutes de Vries had anything to worry about.

Jackson and Donovan Simmonds both had half chances. But, realistically, they never really looked like scoring.

In the end all the nail-biting and anxiety seemed a bit over the top. Bauza's brace had done the damage and Swansea coasted through the second half with relative ease.

It wasn't a great game and, upon reflection, this will simply be remembered as the day promotion finally came, not the day Swansea won it.

That accolade could go to any number of superb performances this season. And, as everyone involved with the club now contemplates life in the Championship, the players are already looking for Champions medals to provide the icing for their ever-so-delicious cake.

Match Comments and Ratings - Guto Llewelyn

I wasn't able to go to Gillingham because of other commitments, but I had an amazing time in the Riverside lounge, watching what was an awful match on the TV.

What a day! We've all known for quite some time that this day would come, but when it did come, oh my goodness, it was memorable! I've had a brilliant chinese to celebrate, and have been smiling all day, thinking of next season.

We're a Championship club, and we've reached the promised land! The feeling is overwhelming. I'm already growing impatient, ready for the Championship!

Ratings:

De Vries-6- Crosses are a problem for him. He never knows quite when to come out, and stays on his line. He was never going to get to the ball for Gillingham's goal. That aside he didn't have many shots to deal with, and was never going to get the chance to show his spectacular side. His second half was better than his first.

Tate-7- Defended well on the right, a position that I think suits him better than the middle. He had a no-nonsense approach, coupled with one or two nice passes. Sometimes he had to move into the centre to help out, but his tackling never worsened. Crossing was dreadful, but that's not his strong-point.

Lawrence-7- The whole defence had troubles with Gillingham's balls into the box, but he was ready to put his weight about today when needed. I haven't seen the Gillingham goal again, but if memory serves me correctly, he was at fault for not showing enough authority over the player he was marking. His heading was good, and his height was essential in all areas of play. Passing was as good as any of the defenders.

Williams-7- He looked like our safest defender, and did everything quietly and correctly. Heading was good, and unlike Lawrence he seems to have a bit of muscle on his bones, so he put it to good use. Not afraid to boot it out of play when needs must, but also able to pass it calmly. His defending reminded me a lot of Lewin Nyatanga when he first burst onto the scene, and hopefully he can progress to be as good as, or better than Nyatanga.

Painter-6- First game back, and a few times it looked like it. Defended sternly throughout, and wasn't ever afraid to put in the tackles. He was slow to react once or twice. Going forward he wasn't very involved. His yellow card for diving looked, from my angle, riddiculous! In the last games of the season he can get back into the groove of 1st team football.

Anderson-6- Wasn't in the game enough. He was the one I always thought could create something, but he was always being marked. His speed cause Gillingham problems, but it was controlled well by the team in blue. His restricted space made life hard for him on his return, and he couldn't do much. Still, I hope we can hold onto him. His pace will be so vital for us in the Championship!

Britton-7- A contender for man of the match for his effort and composure when passing was getting poor. He managed to get the ball on the floor, and pass it. I'd like to see him dribbling a bit more just so that he doesn't loose his one natural footballing gift! He does it less and less. His passing was excellent, but he didn't have the drive to take the game by the scruff of the neck, and do the attacking. Tackling was gutsy and ferocious as usual.

Pratley-7- He conceded the free-kick for Gillingham's goal, but did anybody else here think it was the wrong decision? It looked to me as if Pratley had won the ball cleanly! I think it was just the picky ref. His tackling was generally strong and full-blooded, his best asset. His passing was unadveturous and far too conservative for this kind of game. Plenty of effort, but lacked the spark which would have given the game more excitement.

Robinson-5- Ignoring a few nice touches it wasn't a great game for Robbo. For most of the game he was isolated, so when he actually got the ball, he held onto it until he lost it. His passing was nonexistant once again, and though he tried to tackle, he just couldn't. He didn't have a stand-out shot either. Not his best game ever, and was taken off because of it.

Scotland-5- Like Robinson, a few nice moments can't hide a dissappointing performance. The difference is that he saw more of the ball. His running was a bit selfish. His first touch was heavy as usual. One very good effort in the first half where he turned a few defenders then shot just wide. He didn't work as hard today either. In truth, he wasn't very good! Also, the slowest walk off the pitch ever when he was taken off; I don't like that kind of thing!

Bauza-8- His first goal was lucky, but he did well to see the chance! His second was a very good finish. He worked really hard all game, running, and trying to get the game to flow. He was probably man of the match because of his goals. His touches were tidy and stylish. Bauza also showed that he can use his strength when he needs to, and is an option! He never stopped, and his picture in the papers will be deserved!



Subs:

Butler-5- He never got into the game, and became part of the plan to keep the lead. Never counter-attacked, and had absolutely no impact on the match whatsoever. Not his fault, it was an awful time for an attacker to come on.

Brandy-5- Didn't have much time on the ball. He, like Butler, didn't come on at the best time. Didn't get into the game, and had no effect.

Tudur-Jones-5- Came on right at the death, and his substitution was just to waste time.



What a day! It may have taken 20 something years, but we're back in the second tier, and we're ready to love it.

We must now start planning who comes in and goes out, and what does everybody at the club need to do to get us going next season?

Pic by Dai Smith

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