Match Report

Match Report Dai smith, Pictures Andrew Thomas

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A controversial, injury time spot kick denied the Swans their seventh successive victory at the County Ground.

The Swans lined up using a now unfamiliar 4-4-2

DeVries
Rangel Monk Lawrence Painter
Anderson Pratley O'Leary Butler
Scotland Bauza

The first 20 minutes saw neither side really get a grip on proceedings and the Swans were definitely less fluid than in recent games. Paul Melin, today's referee had made his mark to become today's centre of attention when he dismissed Swindon striker Barry Corr for an elbow on Garry Monk.

Although Swans had a numerical advantage and the bulk of the possession they found it difficult to break down Swindon's resolute defence.

The first half had precious little goalmouth action, with a training ground attack and defence feel about it.

The second half started with more purpose for the visitors and Swansea had the majority of possession. Mid way through the second half Bussy forced a great save from Swindon's keeper with a header from 8 yards out.

As the game wore on, coupled with the introduction of Britton and Robinson the away side started to completely dominate the game. Tom Butler eventually broke the deadlock on 87 minutes. When he placed the ball beyond the Swindon keeper following a blocked Britton shot.

The referee then came to the fore to once again be star of the show by awarding Swindon a penalty deep into injury time, after adjudging that Kristian O'Leary had fouled a Swindon player in the area. In truth, there looked little wrong with the challenge and it seemed that the official had been trying to 'even up' the balance following Swindon's early sending off.

The Swans side were incensed and Painter, O'Leary and DeVries were all booked in the melee that followed.Cox sent DeVries the wrong way and sent the home fans wild..

Although this was not the best Swans performance of recent weeks it is frustrating to have the victory snatched away in this fashion. In truth though, I think we all would have settled for 7 points from the 3 Christmas fixtures.

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Swindon: Brezovan, Comminges, Vincent, Ifil, Aljofree, McGovern, Easton (Pook 46), Peacock (Mohamed 65), Zaaboub (Paynter 28), Corr, Cox. Subs Not Used: Nicholas, Sturrock.

Sent Off: Corr (20).

Booked: Cox.

Goals: Cox 90 pen.

Swansea: De Vries, Rangel, Painter, Lawrence, Monk, Butler, Pratley, O'Leary, Anderson (Britton 51), Scotland (Robinson 64), Bauza. Subs Not Used: Tate, Orlandi, Duffy.

Booked: Pratley, De Vries, Painter, O'Leary.

Goals: Butler 87.

Att: 9,426

Ref: Paul Melin (Surrey).

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