Match Report

An 85th-minute strike by Marcos Painter gave Swansea City victory in this pre-season friendly in which Chester fought back from 2-0 down at the break.

The Swans struck after six minutes as Matt Collins set up Darren Pratley.

Steffan Morrison came on for injured striker Gorka Pintado and the recruit from West Ham soon impressed, firing home from Shaun MacDonald's pass.

Jay Harris levelled with goals after 77 and 84 minutes, but Painter's reply ensured the visitors victory.

Chester City 2 - 3 Swansea City - Match Comment - Roy Wells , Pictures - Dai Smith

My first view of the team tonight, and it's obvious Roberto has many selection problems. Except for Doris there is real competition. At the back I can see what people are saying about Painter and Bessone. Not a lot to choose. Bessone offers more going forward is what people are saying, and Painter scores!! One thing I noticed tonight Bessone drifted inside too easily and has to be told to go back out. Williams or Serran again not a lot to choose. Both climb well, and both get in positive clearing headers. I think they could possibly form a decent partnership, but need the leadership and organising on Monk initially.

Could either do a job short term at right back?

Midfield, oh dear what a headache. On paper Gomez and Bodde would be first choice. However Bodde, on for the second half looked a bit subdued. Is his mind thinking what might have been. Gomez looks class, but does he need a bit of time on the ball? Time he won't get in the British game. Macdonald was the stand out midfielder. Britton very industrious second half. OTJ calm and assured. Allen did well in the short time he was on. Orlandi looked classy, Gower did well from wide. Pratley very busy and a cracking goal. One thing Roberto needs to do in the next 2 games is play what he feels is his starting line up for about an hour or so to allow them time together.

Up front was mission aborted. Pintado pulled up after playing a simple pass and half turned. He felt his groin straight away. Tried for a couple of minutes to run it off, but to no avail. Morrison came on and took his goal well, a typical poacher's goal, but no way will Brandy and Morrison be a front two for us. Both too similar in style. Brandy played the lone striker second half, and despite working hard that's not his natural game, and again will not happen in the league. Bond came on late on, but not really effective.

With no Bauza (was that because of his red card?) we suddenly went from an embarassment of riches up front to struggling, and no real threat second half. Their first was a decent passing move that carved us open easily with the striker running on to a through ball to finish well. The second a basic defensive cock up with the ball not being cleared.

Our new signings look good, but need the reality of a league game to show them what it's all about. If they can adapt and cope with that then we've got some more gems. Overall a good workout against football league opposition, in some ways a more real test.

Would you like your match report printed here? Email it to the site straight after the match.
Click here to return to the main page.