GIOVANNI SAVARESE has a special reason for wanting to score his 10th goal, against Peterborough United at the Vetch Field today.

When the Venezuela international joined the club, Mark Aizlewood predicted he would not reach double figures this season.

The former Wales defender will be at todays game summarising for BBC Radio Wales and ready to eat his words.

Savarese's ninth goal gave the Swans victory over Bournemouth in the LDV Vans Trophy at Dean Court in midweek.

They will be aiming to carry on at home where they left off on Boxing Day, when they beat second-placed Walsall 3-l. and secure a first league double of the season after winning 2-0 at Peterborough in August.

Postponements of their remaining holiday programme due to frozen pitches halted their momentum.

But it allowed time for players to recover from injuries, enabling manager John Hollins to choose from a squad of 19 today.

Steve Jones, Jason Price and Damien Lacey have shaken off the knocks that kept them out against Bournemouth

Club captain Nick Cusack and centre-back Mathew Bound return to the squad after sitting out the Bournemouth game and Ryan Casey is back to fitness.

But the Savarese-Walter Boyd partnership, which showed promise at Dean Court, may have to be shelved.

Jamaica international Boyd faces a late fitness test on a niggling foot injury.

"We'll have a 1.15 roll call to check on everyone before I name the side I think can get three points," said Swansea manager John Hollins.

"Peterborough were trounced 5-0 by Chelsea in the FA Cup last week. But they havent done too badly in the league with a youthful side.

"Barry Fry, their manager, is fearless. If he wants to play with four up he will. We expect them to come here and try to get about us."

Swansea are still awaiting a response to their appeal against defender Jason Smiths sending off at Wigan last Saturday.

BARRY Fry has been handed a major hammer blow with defensive linchpin Simon Rea facing up to another injury nightmare.

The imposing centre half returned from ankle ligament damage for Tuesday night's LDV Vans Trophy defeat against Barnet. But a collision with stand-in keeper Dan Connor led to Barnet's first goal in a 3-1 win for the side where Fry made his name which means Rea is out for another six weeks.

Adevastated Rea said: "It is a nightmare to pick up another injury on my return. I can't believe it. "To get injured in silly circumstances makes it even worse for me. You can rush injuries and I have paid the price for playing when not fully fit before and it will have to run its course."

And the news has thrown Fry's plans for Saturday's long trip to Swansea into chaos with the boss already without a host of first teamers. Fry moaned: "Nothing ever seems to go to plan. We did all we could to get Simon fit for Chelsea, that is how much we value him. But a return on Tuesday night was the next best thing although in reflection I should have kept him miles away.

"It is a very big blow for us at a time when form is so essential. He will be sorely missed. "We have little cover at the back and Adam Drury (pictured) will be thrown in the middle again. He always does a fantastic job."

Now, following the return of loanee Dave Rogers to Ayr, Fry can do little else but continue with Drury at the heart of defence alongside Andy Edwards, leaving the left back berth open to Gareth Jelleyman.

Up front is where the rest of Fry's problems lie. Jason Lee is a definite non-starter and could face surgery to get over a knee problem, while Andy Clarke has picked up another bout of flu and Leon McKenzie is unlikely to win his race to be fit after damaging an ankle at Chelsea. That makes way for the return of Howard Forinton who has been plagued by injury and loss of form since his arrival 15 months ago.

The pint sized £250,000 hitman may be handed his first league start of a campaign wrecked by injury. So far Forinton has been limited to a place on the bench and a rare start in the LDVVans Trophy.

Forinton is confident he can take out all his frustrations on the Swansea defence. He said: "It has been a difficult time for me but I have turned the corner fitness wise and my form is getting back to something like its best. "I have been kicking my heels on the sidelines but when I have had the chances in the last month or so, I think I have given a good account of myself.

"It will take time for the goals to come but I know inside that I can perform at this level and can do the job for the manager." Fry added: "Howard will be given the chance if he is needed. As it looks at the moment he will play." And Forinton is hoping his return to form can do the damage to sink the Swans and get some revenge for an August Bank Holiday defeat at London Road.

Then the goalshy Welshmen - recently named BBCWales team of the year for winning the Third Division championship - were 2-0 winners thanks to an inspirational performance from their skipper, defender Matthew Bound, who found the net from the penalty spot.

Swansea City's famous fan John Hartson may find himself being sent to Coventry today, but his burning ambition to return home to Vetch Field lives on.

The Welsh international was expected to shake on a £5million transfer from Wimbledon today in a week that also saw him shake the hand of Swansea boss John Hollins.

It will be some time yet before Hartson even considers shaking on a deal to wear the white shirt of Swansea, but the Trallwn-product is still confident he will achieve his goal — one day.

"I think everybody knows by now that I'm a huge Swans fan," confirmed Hartson. "Who knows what will happen when the legs start to go a few years down the line.

"It has always been one of my ambitions to play for the Swans and hopefully it will happen one day."

Hartson proved the perfect choice to present Swansea with the Team of the Year award at this week's BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards in Cardiff.

"It was an honour," declared Hartson who has missed the last four games with a broken rib. "I was supposed to do a presentation with Daley Thomson in London that same night, but once the BBC asked me I couldn't turn them down."

Hartson shot down to Cardiff straight after training and returned that same night in readiness for the next day's session at Wimbledon.

"It was a bit of a rush, but it was worth it," added Hartson. "It was great to see all the Swansea players there.

"They were worthy winners of the award after lifting the Third Division championship. And, they won it well."

Hartson didn't have too much time to chat to the Swansea squad after they were rushed on and off the stage.

He did get a chance, though, to have a few words with Hollins before presenting him with his award.

"He told me he was still trying to get a few in on loan, but he felt strongly that Swansea would get out of trouble," added Hartson.

Swansea City boss John Hollins will be out to end their Posh jinx at Vetch Field tomorrow with a winning nudge towards Second Division safety (3).

Swansea have not beaten Peterborough at Vetch Field in their last six visits and Hollins feels it's about time they brought their barren run to an end.

Despite picking up two goalless draw in the two seasons under Hollins, the Swansea boss knows nothing less than a maximum haul will be good enough to close the gap on the mid-table pack and ease the threat of relegation.

"They haven't beaten us at the Vetch since I've been here," explained Hollins. "But now is the time to pick up the three points."

Swansea, who have drawn three and lost three of those six home games, actually have a better record at London Road with three straight victories to their name.

The latest came back in August when goals from Matthew Bound and Jason Price gave Swansea a 2-0 win and the chance to complete a much needed double tomorrow.

Hollins has been boosted by the availability of goalkeeper Roger Freestone who has shaken off the hand injury he sustained in the 1-0 LDV Vans Trophy triumph at Bournemouth in midweek.

Steve Jones, Jason Price and Ryan Casey have also made themselves available after missing the third trip of the season to Dean Court through injury, but Martin Thomas (ankle) is still another week away from full fitness.

"With Barry Fry in charge of Peterborough you can guarantee an exciting and attacking game both on and off the field, but I'm confident. There has been a good feeling about the place over the last two weeks," added Hollins.

"I know the Wigan game was a disappointment, but we bounced back against Bournemouth and now we've got to follow that up."

Peterborough, seven points ahead of a Swansea side who also have a game in hand, have not won in their last five games and are riddled with injury and illness.

"They've hit a bad spell, but they can always come out of it," warned Hollins.

Meanwhile, Swansea could be ordered to move their home game against Millwall on Saturday, February 10, back to the Sunday with a noon kick-off.

The Metropolitan Police are expecting the Second Division leaders to bring as many as 2,500 fans to Vetch Field, many of which they believe are either known or suspected troublemakers.

There were disturbances in London when the two sides met back in September, while Millwall fans also clashed violently with Cardiff home and away last season.

Swansea, however, are confident of staging the game on the original Saturday and are opposed to the Sunday switch.

But the decision is out of Swansea's hands and will be made by the two relevant police forces on Monday.

Swansea have confirmed their second Division fixture at Colchester for Tuesday, April 3, while the club's third round FA Youth Cup replay with Sheffield United at Bramall Lane has been brought forward to next Thursday night (7).

The original replay was scheduled for the Saturday.

Roger Freestone insists he will be fit for Saturday's home clash with Peterborough despite picking up a hand injury at Bournemouth.

It was feared the Welsh international 'keeper would be ruled out after taking an accidental kick on his hand in the 1-0 LDV Vans Trophy success over the Cherries on Tuesday.

But Freestone has allayed those fears, confirming: "It's fine - I should be ok for Saturday if selected.

"I went down to the hospital for an x-ray after the game but luckily nothing showed up so I'm just looking forward to the weekend now."

Robins clash brought forward

Swansea's Division Two clash against Bristol City at Ashton Gate on Saturday, February 3 will now be a 12:00pm kick-off on police orders.

The Robins originally approached the Swans last month about the possibility of bringing the start time forward, although Swansea were against the idea.

Managing director Mike Lewis commented: "We've told everyone what we thought all along - we're against the idea. This change disrupts all our preparations.

"Now, in order to have the usual pre-match get-together, the team will have to leave Swansea ridiculously early, or we'll have the extra cost of an overnight stay.

"In addition, our fans will have to change their arrangements. We've spoken to Bristol City, the Football League and Avon and Somerset Police about this but after many discussions we're being forced to go along with them."

The decision to change the game is aimed at avoiding a repeat of violence seen on the streets of Swansea between rival sets of 'fans' in October.

Swansea City assistant manager Alan Curtis reckons his side need to reach a 50-point target to escape a straight return to the Third Division.

With Swansea rooted fourth from bottom with 22 points from 23 games, Curtis claims only nine or 10 more wins will be good enough to secure their Second Division status for another season.

Although it was hard to pick out many positives from Swansea's 2-0 mauling at Wigan last Saturday, Curtis remained confident of escaping the dreaded drop back into the Football League basement.

"I'm still convinced we'll get out of it," declared Curtis. "Even if it means we finish fifth from bottom I'm positive we'll stay up.

"Nine, possibly 10, wins should do it as 50 points is normally enough."

Oxford escaped relegation from the Second Division last season with 45 points, while fourth from bottom Cardiff slipped back down to the Third Division on the back of just 44 points.

"It is vital we get something out of all our games, but realistically it is our home games that will determine our future," added Curtis.

"Saturday's home game with Peterborough is typical of what I'm saying. We know a little bit about them from the last couple of seasons and it's the type of fixture where we must press home our Vetch Field advantage.

"The quicker we pick up more three-pointers the quicker we'll get out of trouble."

Tuesday night's victory at Bournemouth in the LDV Vans Trophy will give Swansea a boost ahead of their Posh clash, but Curtis knows that they must show a vast improvement in their League form, especially in the first half at Wigan, to pull out of trouble.

"Wigan showed far too much for us in the first half," admitted Curtis. "There were some strong words said at half time because the only positive to come out of it was the fact that we were only one goal down.

"We told them to push up to the halfway line and at least then everyone will be in touch.

"When we are under pressure we tend to drop off a little bit and the gap between the forwards and the boys at the back leaves us asking too much of our midfield players.

"But it's not just the boys at the back because we've got to be better all over the pitch."

Curtis also felt that Jason Smith's late red card was typical of the luck Swansea have been having this season.

"Everything seems to be going against us at the moment," added Curtis. "But that's what happens when you are down the bottom.

"They say it evens itself out over the season, so on that basis we should have all the luck going for the rest of the season."

Meanwhile, Swansea's Second Division fixture with Bristol City at Ashton Gate on Saturday, February 3, has been brought forward to a 12noon kick off.

The move, designed to prevent a repeat of the violent scenes in Swansea city centre after the 2-2 draw back in October, has been made at the request of Avon and Somerset Police and against the wishes of the Vetch Field club.

Swansea's fixture at Northampton on Tuesday, November 30, has also been postponed.

Victory at Bournemouth in midweek means Swansea will have a regionalised quarter-final tie in the LDV Vans Trophy that week, with the draw due to be made live on Sky's Soccer AM programme on Saturday morning.

Swansea's Second Division clash with Brentford, which was postponed at Vetch Field over Christmas, has also been re-arranged for Tuesday, March 20.

Swansea City's young guns gave the Vetch Field club hope for the future last night after coming within 15 minutes of producing another FA Youth Cup shock.

Swansea led the First Division Blades 2-1 until a late header forced a replay at Brammall Lane a week on Saturday.

"It's not over by a long way," declared youth team coach Ron Walton. "We live to fight another day and I can guarantee you it's still all to play for."

Swansea couldn't have made a worse start when they fell behind after just two minutes and 20 seconds.

Stephen Healey earned himself a yellow card after bringing down Lee Featherstone with just 15 seconds on the clock. And when the midfielder eventually got to his feet following treatment, he saw Michael Tonge curl a free kick around the wall and beyond a despairing Alex Davies and in at the near post.

But to Swansea's credit they never let their heads drop with a gutsy display that was often matched by some fiery exchanges in the dug-outs as the visitors expressed their disgust at some of the first-half decisions from the men in black.

Swansea's endeavour and passing approach paid off three minutes from the interval.

A neatly worked free kick saw Dean Jenkins deliver Stuart Jones's pass to the edge of the area and Craig Draper arrived to dispatch a superb finish into the roof of the net.

The class strike gave Ron Walton's warriors a huge lift as Lewis Killeen saw his effort ruled out for offside before Swansea struck a decisive blow five minutes into injury time.

James Berry's cross from the right was missed by Rowan Hazzell and Chris O'Sullivan arrived at pace to fire home from six yards.

"It was a super first half display matched by two superb goals," added Walton. "In fact, I thought we looked like the First Division side.

"To go a goal behind so early on was a major blow, but I thought we showed great character to come back."

Swansea could have even wrapped it up in the 63rd minute when another mistake from Hazell let in Ben Davies, but the striker saw his shot saved by the legs of Mervyn Travers when he really should have scored.

Alex Davies pulled off even better saves from Killeen and substitute Adam Fayenuwo at the other end, but there was little he could do to deny Sheffield the equaliser 15 minutes from time when Nugent headed home a far post corner from Tonge.

The visitors looked the only winners at that point as Davies pulled off another excellent save from Killeen as Fayenuwo followed up to blaze over an open goal deep in injury time.

Killeen scraped the wrong side of the post right at the death, but the least Swansea deserved for their efforts was a second bite at the FA Cup cherry.

"They had three or four good chances in the last 20 minutes when we lost our shape," confirmed Walton, "but I don't think we deserved to lose it.

"Manchester United had told us they were one of the best sides in the north and I can see why now. they showed a lot of quality in certain areas — but so did we."

Swansea City:
Alex Davies, Stuart Jones, Tino Di-Battista, Lee MacLachlan, Stephen Healey, Craig Draper, Chris O'Sullivan, James Berry, Dean Jenkins, Ben Davies, Luke Middleton. Subs: Rob Shannon for Middleton (78mins), Sam Hulland for Jenkins (86mins). Not used: Richard Duffy, Tom Davies, Simon Cole.

Sheffield Utd:
Travers, Purkiss, Browne, Tansley, Nugent, Hazell, Baum, Tonge, Killeen, Mallon, Featherstone. Subs: Fayenuwo for Baum (65mins). Not used: Glarvey, Jones, Sloan, Hurrell.

Referee: Roger Vaughan (Yutton).

Score summary:
Sheffield; Tonge (2mins), Nugent (75mins). Swansea; Draper (42mins), O'Sullivan (45mins),

Bookings: Swansea; Healey (foul), Jenkins (foul), Jones (foul). Sheffield: Travers (handball), Nugent (foul).

Star choice:
Alex Davies.

Swansea manager John Hollins was cautiously pleased after watching his side beat Bournemouth 1-0 to progress to the LDV Vans Trophy third round.

Venezuelan striker Giovanni Savarese took the ball off the foot of team-mate Stuart Roberts five minutes into the second half, before beating Michael Menetrier at the far post.

Swans goalkeeper Roger Freestone had kept them in the game in the first half with a string of fine saves to deny the home side. Hollins said: "We don't score enough goals so it was great to see Giovanni's strike go in.

"But let's not go overboard, Bournemouth had a lot of young players in their side but they set about the game in the right fashion. "I would swap this win for a victory against Peterborough on Saturday but now I've got this one I want to be greedy and have both."

An inquiry into the death of a Swansea City football fan who was trampled to death by a police horse is expected to be complete by the end of the month.

Terry Coles, aged 42,died last May after he travelled north to watch a championship-deciding Division Three match between the Swans and Rotherham United.

Mr Coles, a father of two of Heol Penfelyn, Cwmrhyd-ceirw, is believed to have walked in front of the horse in a narrow lane as police battled to keep rival fans throwing stones and bottles apart.

Two inquiries were opened into the death of Mr Coles, who was a drayman. The Police Complaints Authority is still investigating.

But West Yorkshire Police, who were called in by the South Yorkshire force, said today their investigation was almost over.

A spokeswoman said: " The investigation is in it's final stages. A report is almost complete." The probe has included a study of CCTV pictures taken before the match at Rotherham United's Millmoor ground.

Swansea City's Roger Freestone left Dean Court last night with his right hand heavily bandaged but confident of being between the posts for Saturday's match with Peterborough at Vetch Field.

The goalkeeper, who kept a clean sheet in last night's LDV VansTrophy match against Bournemouth, was injured in the 71st minute when full-back Michael Howard accidentally kicked his hand in attempting a clearance.

"The problem is with my thumb, it's severely swollen and I'll have to get it x-rayed," said the Welsh international.

"Only when I get the results will I be able to say whether I'm fit for Saturday but I'd like to think it's all just precautionary and I'll be okay."

Manager John Hollins cautiously shared Freestone's belief while praising his part in the cup success.

"Roger made a string of fine saves and his performance was excellent," said Hollins. "His first save in the second minute was fantastic and I think that boosted everyone and set us on our way.

"We had to work hard as a team for our win but we started well, stuck to our plans and scored a terrific goal. I would have liked to have seen us score a few more but after two defeats there already this season I was just glad to see us win and break the hoodoo they have had over us."

Hollins made six changes from last weekend's defeat at Wigan and those promoted to the side impressed their manager.

"Young Leigh DeVulgt came in and did well at left back, Kristian O'Leary impressed in defence and our midfielders were bright and sharp throughout. Considering they haven't played for some time I thought they did very well."

Despite the win which moves Swansea into the area quarter-finals Hollins was not allowing anybody to get carried away.

"It was one win and it was encouraging, but it has gone already and now we must follow it up with another on Saturday. Pleased as I am, I'd swap last night's success for three points against Peterborough."

Match-winner Giovani Savarase has also turned his attentions to the visit of Barry Fry's side.

"Saturday is now the most important game, though I was pleased to score my first goal of 2001 last night," he said. "It was also my first away win since I joined the Swans and now I want to experience more wins home and away to help the side pull away from the bottom of the table."

John Hollins was delighted with his side's 1-0 win over Bournemouth in the LDV Vans Trophy and he hopes to see them continue the winning habit.

A second-half goal by leading scorer Giovanni Savarese decided the tie in Swansea's favour, and Hollins said: "This is the third time we've played them this season - we started well, made a few changes at the break and I thought whoever scored the first would win it - happily it was us, and what a terrific goal it was.

" Hollins fielded a much-changed side through injury and the resting of some players, and continued: "I'm trying to find a winning formula - maybe the pressure is a little bit off in this kind of competition.

"We played three up and attacked them while, at the back, Lee Devulgt, Jason Smith, Kris O'Leary and 'keeper Roger Freestone were all outstanding.

"A few of our guys were rusty from a lack of recent action, but at times it looked like we were getting back to our old ways of last season. "I knew they were the sort of side that could punish us - we looked a much tighter unit than lately and I'm delighted with the result."

Hollins said winning was a habit that he wanted to see continue against Peterborough in the league on Saturday, and though Bournemouth had given them some late alarms, he felt things had finally - at least on the night - started to go right for his side.

Bristol City

Swansea City's away league game at Bristol City on Saturday, February 3 will kick-off at noon on the advice of Avon and Somerset Police.

There was crowd trouble at the corresponding fixture between the clubs at the Vetch in October and the move is clearly designed to avoid supporters visiting pubs before the return game.

Ldv Vans Trophy: Bournemouth 0 Swansea City 1

CHERRIES crashed out of their second cup competition inside four days as Swansea made it third time lucky on their travels to Dean Court this season.

Sean O'Driscoll's much-changed side, beaten 3-2 by Gillingham in the third round of the FA Cup on Saturday, were sent spinning out when Swans' leading goalscorer Giovanni Savarese notched the only goal of the game six minutes after half-time.

Cherries almost took the lead after just 100 seconds when Chukki Eribenne fired a low cross into the danger zone which was met by Willie Huck whose fierce volley was acrobatically palmed over the crossbar by Swans goalkeeper Roger Freestone.

>From the resultant corner, Eribenne eventually put the ball into the net, but his effort was ruled out for an earlier infringement. At the other end, David Romo and Walter Boyd both tried their luck from just outside the box, but were well wide of the target. Freestone was again involved after 24 minutes when he got down well to his right to save from Garreth O'Connor following a neat surge down the left flank and cross by Narada.

Steve Fletcher, one of only two players in the Cherries starting line-up who turned out against Gillingham on Saturday, dinked a shot just wide of the upright following a teasing cross from Huck. Cherries goalkeeper Michael Menetrier was forced to make his first save after 33 minutes and easily gathered a long-range effort from Boyd.

On the stroke of half-time, Menetrier had to be on his toes when he tipped a free-kick from Romo onto the top of the crossbar and out for a corner.

Swans' leading scorer Savarese squandered a glorious chance to give his side the lead just three minutes after the restart when he misdirected a free header well wide of the target following Boyd's cross. But the Venezuelan international atoned for his miss after 51 minutes when he fired the Swans in front with his ninth goal of the season.

Lee Jenkins fed Stuart Roberts inside the Cherries penalty area and as he prepared to shoot, Savarese nipped in ahead of him and netted a right-foot drive past Menetrier. Roberts then hit the top of the crossbar before at the other end, Brian Stock fired a volley into the arms of Freestone. Steve Fletcher headed Huck's corner inches wide midway through the second period before Freestone spilled a cross from Huck and Jason Smith hacked the loose ball to safety. Warren Cummings sent a rasping 30-yard free-kick towards the goal, but again Freestone was equal to the task and tipped it over the bar.

Cherries substitute Justin Keeler burst clear from the halfway line, but was thwarted by Freestone before Fletcher's follow-up struck a defender. In the dying seconds, Keeler unleashed a fierce left-foot drive which flashed past the post before Smith headed Huck's corner onto his own crossbar.

Ldv Vans Trophy: Bournemouth 0 Swansea City 1

WELSH international Roger Freestone was a hero as the gritty Swans grabbed a morale-boosting victory at Dean Court last night. Giovanni Savarese’s strike seven minutes into the second half was enough to book John Hollins’s braves their LDV Vans Trophy quarter-final ticket and avenge early-season FA Cup and league defeats to the Cherries.

It was Swansea’s first win on the road of any consequence since the Second Division maximum at Notts County way back in September, but they owed it all to Freestone who halted Bournemouth with a string of fine stops. The Newport-born ’keeper frustrated Richard Hughes, Gareth O’Connor and Warren Cummings (twice) - and the Swans also had a touch of welcome fortune as a late Jason Smith clearance bounced off the woodwork.

Hollins had wielded the scalpel on a side seeking only their second victory in 16 league and cup matches - and the Londoner’s changes certainly did the trick.

Teenage Leigh De’Vulgt had his first senior start at right-back and excelled all evening, as did Welsh under-21 international Stuart Roberts on the right side of midfield .

Freestone was in action after only two minutes, punching out William Huck’s rasping drive.

Walter Boyd replied with a sweet pirouette, but Freestone was back in the fray on 24 minutes, springing low to his right to parry O’Connor’s raking left-footer.

Former Hartlepool raider Steve Fletcher then volleyed over but Swansea had the last say of a serene first half - David Romo’s vicious free-kick touched to safety by Mike Menetrier.

Moments into the restart the Swans should have been ahead. Boyd sped past Narada Bernard on the left, but Savarese somehow swerved his header wide from eight yards.

The Venezuelan was making amends on 52 minutes, though, as Swansea stormed in front. Lee Jenkins and Roberts combined on the edge of the box allowing Savarese to pull the trigger from 20 yards.

The Cherries were clearly rocked and their French ’keeper, Menetrier, had real luck 60 seconds later as Roberts’s deep right-side floater clipped his bar.

But the Red shirts flooded forward as furious Bournemouth sought a reply but the battling Swans were not to be denied.

A delighted Swansea manager Hollins said, ‘‘Giovanni (Savarese) won it with a terrific goal.”

And Hollins explained why he made changes coming into the match.

He said, “I’m not resting my squad I just wanted to see what is at my disposal.

“I’m looking for a winning formula, maybe I’ve got one at last.”

John Hollins's Swansea City side were named BBC Wales Team of the Year at an awards ceremony in Cardiff last night for winning the Third Division championship.

The trophy was presented to the Vetch Field boss by Wales striker John Hartson.

Paralympic champion Tanni Grey-Thompson, winner of four gold medals in Sydney, was named Sports Personality of the Year — the second time she has won the award — with world snooker champion Mark Williams second and silver-medal winning Olympic yachtsman Ian Barker third.

The awards were presented by Steve Redgrave.

The Carwyn James junior awards went to triathlete Anneliese Heard and paralympic gold medalist Lloyd Upsdell while Swansea's assistant rugby coach Clive Griffiths won the Merit award for services to the Welsh rugby league side.

Swansea City are to appeal against Jason Smith's sending-off against Wigan on Saturday.

The big defender was shown a straight red card by Cumbrian referee Trevor Jones four minutes from the end of the 2-0 defeat at the JJB Stadium for an innocuous challenge on Andy Liddell.

It was a tackle from behind, but Swansea feel it warranted a yellow card at the most instead of red.

Swansea manager John Hollins spent the whole of yesterday afternoon studying a video of the game which confirmed his view his view on Smith's dismissal.

"The video evidence only backs up our argument," confirmed Hollins. "It didn't warrant a red card.

"There were worse tackles than that which went unpunished. Jason Price, for example, was caught quite badly by Lee Ashcroft who didn't even receive a yellow card.

"But it is the same old story of inconsistency,"

Swansea's appeal will go before the Football Association of Wales rather than their English counterparts, where the comments of Bruce Rioch will also come into play.

Rioch commented that he found the red card decision harsh, stating: "I honestly couldn't see why he was sent off. I thought it must have been his second yellow card, but it wasn't."

Fifa rules state that 'A tackle from behind, which endangers the safety of an opponent, must be sanctioned as serious foul play' which is a red card offence.

Swansea, however, will argue that the tackle was not serious and request the offence be reduced to a yellow card.

Failure to win the appeal will see Smith miss three games against Walsall (away), Wycombe (home) and Northampton (away).

Swansea City will be out to make it third time lucky at Dean Court tonight as they start their LDV Vans Trophy trek which they hope will take them to the Millennium Stadium.

Swansea have already suffered twice at the hands of Bournemouth on the South Coast this season with 2-0 defeats in both League and FA Cup.

But Swansea manager John Hollins is determined to avoid a treble tragedy in the second round Southern Section clash.

"It's a competition I want to win," explained Hollins, "especially with the final at the Millennium Stadium."

It is a competition Swansea won under Frank Burrows in the 1993-94 season when Roger Freestone performed heroics at Wembley to deny Huddersfield in a penalty shoot-out.

Only Freestone survives from that day when John Cornforth lifted a trophy sponsored then by Autoglass.

Hollins is likely to make a number of changes from the side that lost at Wigan with Jason Price (hip), Steve Jones (dead leg) and Ryan Casey (ankle) all injured. Martin Thomas has also failed to shake off an ankle injury sustained at Wycombe so Leigh De-Vulgt, Michael Keegan, Lyndon Gregson and Walter Boyd are added to the squad.

While Swansea had a bye in the first round, Bournemouth scraped past Conference side Dover in a penalty shoot-out.

Manager Sean O'Driscoll fielded a reserve side that day and is expected to do the same despite naming a 23-man squad.

While Swansea were having refereeing problems at Wigan on Saturday, Bournemouth were also suffering at the hands of the man in black, Rob Harris's controversial decision against Gillingham costing them a place in the fourth round of the FA Cup.

Harris angered the Bournemouth boss by failing to rule out Gillingham's hotly-disputed winner, despite the fact that striker Paul Shaw was in an offside position before he secured the 3-2 victory.

Harris is the referee who sent off Tranmere's Clint Hill in the FA Cup last season only to allow the player to be substituted at the same time.

He also issued two yellow cards to Aston Villa's Lee Hendrie this season, but failed to send him off.

Bournemouth's problems were compounded when defender Karl Broadhurst was carried off with a neck injury which will rule him out of tonight's encounter along with Eddie Howe, Stephen Purches and Warren Cummings.

It will be the last game played at Dean Court before demolition work begins on the South Stand. Bournemouth have received £3m from the Football Foundation towards the cost of a new 12,000-seater stadium.

Swansea's Youth team will keep the knockout theme going at Vetch Field tomorrow night when they take on Sheffield United in the third round of the FA Youth Cup (7).

Ron Walton's side have already beaten Bristol City and Cirencester. A trip to Tranmere awaits the winners.

Steve Jones is unlikely to feature in tomorrow night's LDV Trophy second round tie at Bournemouth after going off against Wigan on Saturday.

The 30-year-old full-back left the action at the JJB Stadium after half an hour when Latics forward Lee Ashcroft clattered him with a heavy challenge.

Jones has been reported as suffering from a dead leg which is affecting his mobility by physio Richard Evans, and his chances of making Saturday's clash with Peterborough at Vetch Field are also in doubt.

"The bruising is starting to come out well, which is a good sign", Evans said.

Bournemouth have three injury doubts ahead of their LDV Vans Trophy second round tie at home to Swansea City.

Defender Eddie Howe, midfielder Jason Tindall and star striker Jermaine Defoe all sustained knocks and bruises in the FA Cup defeat against Gillingham, and may not feature in the match.

On-loan Chelsea defender Wayne Cummings is recovering from an ankle injury but may not be risked for the visit of the Swans.

Definitely out is Stephen Purches, who damaged a hamstring against Luton, and Neil Young, who is not expected to play again this season after suffering a serious knee injury.

Highly-rated

Player-coach Peter Grant said: "We are looking forward to this match and to hopefully making progress in the competition."

Should Defoe play, Swansea boss John Hollins believes his side can cope with the highly-rated Cherries striker.

Midfielder Jason Price has a hip injury and winger Ryan Casey is also doubtful with an ankle knock for Swansea, but boss Hollins is not ruling them out yet.

Defender Steve Jones picked up a thigh injury in the defeat at Wigan and was taken off after half an hour, and is also rated doubtful for the Dean Court fixture.

The Swansea defence will have to be on their mettle against Defoe, who has now scored 11 times in his last nine games.

Hollins said: "You have to respect any player who is rated as highly as he is, but we fear no-one."

Jason Smith was still coming to terms with his first red card in a Swansea City shirt today after his side's Second Division survival hopes took a turn for the worst at Wigan.

The big defender was given his marching orders four minutes from time at the JJB Stadium by Cumbrian referee Trevor Jones for an innocuous looking challenge on two-goal Andy Liddell.

Swansea were already well beaten by that stage as the Wigan wobble never materialised, but as Smith made the lonely walk back to the dressing room the realities of a three-game ban hit home.

"I can't believe that a tackle like that is going to cost me three games," blasted Smith. "I did clip the back of his heels, but there was nothing malicious in it.

"I can't see the difference between that tackle and when Ryan (Casey) was brought down intentionally earlier on.

"I tried to nick the ball from between his legs and I certainly didn't scythe him down or anything.

"Now I've got to miss three games, something I can't afford to do in the position we are in.

"I want to be in there fighting for our lives like the rest of the lads."

Both Smith and his manager John Hollins found it hard to hide their anger over a shocking decision which will rule Smith out for crucial games against Walsall (away), Wycombe (home) and Northampton (away).

"I've got to be careful what I say, but as far as I am concerned that was Jason's first real tackle," declared Hollins. "I couldn't see anything dangerous or wrong with it.

"There were a couple of bad tackles early on which the referee didn't even book them for."

Even Wigan boss Bruce Rioch was stunned by Smith's dismissal, adding: "I honestly couldn't see why he was sent off. I thought it must have been his second yellow card, but it wasn't."

Hollins spent 20 minutes in the referee's room after the game before emerging stunned with his explanation to the sending-off as "dangerous serious foul play."

The 2-0 defeat keeps Swansea fourth from bottom at the halfway stage of the season with a vital game against Peterborough coming up at Vetch Field on Saturday.

Swansea have the small matter of tomorrow night's LDV Vans Trophy second-round tie at Bournemouth to see off first. Defender Steve Jones will miss Swansea's third trip of the season to Dean Court after limping of after 30 minutes at Wigan with a dead leg.

Wigan Athletic 2 Swansea City 0

SWANSEA’S long trek must have injected some sweet nostalgia into a campaign which is becoming increasingly arduous for beleaguered John Hollins.

FA Cup third-round day is always special. The crackle in the air was again evident, and Swans manager Hollins, a cup hero with Chelsea three decades ago, couldn’t have failed to note the scarf-wielding exuberance of Yeovil fans en route for Bolton.

Only two seasons ago soccer’s oldest competition smiled again on Hollins as his Swans beat the odds. Higher section sides Mill-wall, Stoke and Premiership West Ham all fell as Hollins sparked the belief which eventually swept his side to the Third Division crown last May.

But the Swans setback at Wigan’s futuristic JJB Stadium was stark evidence of the huge financial gap between some clubs in the lower sections.

While Wigan owner David Whelan lavishes millions on a multi-purpose sports complex and a £3m First Division-bound squad, Hollins continues to make do against the backdrop of abortive flotations at the decaying Vetch.

In case Swansea chairman Neil McClure is missing the point, his club will surely return to the league dungeon without urgent team-strengthening. One Third Division victory in 13 matches, and eight points from a possible 39 - those statistics don’t tell lies.

On Saturday, £350,000 predator Andy Liddell was the latest Swans tormentor. The former Barnsley favourite struck either side of the interval.

Referee Trevor Jones provided the cabaret. The Cumbrian official booked six players and inexplicably dismissed Swansea’s Jason Smith for merely clipping Liddell’s heel.

That was all too much for Hollins, who was still coming to terms with his men’s bad defending after Wigan’s killer goal 18 minutes from time.

He snapped, “I have to be careful what I say but the referee redcarded Jason (Smith) for his first challenge from behind. Perhaps he did catch their player, but there didn’t seem a lot wrong - and, anyway, their man got straight back up.

“I’ll be speaking to the official later about the incident. There were a couple of bad tackles which Wigan dished out early on that went unpunished.”

Hollins was also convinced his side should have had a spot-kick after the interval when Giovanni Saverese appeared to be scythed down by Arjan De Zeeuw.

Hollins said, “I thought we should have had a penalty. Savarese was clearly hit from behind.” Even Wigan manager Bruce Rioch was amazed by the referee.

“It looked a very easy game to officiate. There was no malice or bad moments. Yet there were six cautions and a sending-off,” he said.

“I couldn’t see why Smith was dismissed. I turned to my coaches and asked if it had been the player’s second yellow. I have got a tape of the game, and it will make very interesting viewing over a coffee later.” Wigan totally dominated sad Swans in an embarrassingly onesided first half, squandering gilt-edged openings as Welsh international Simon Haworth and Lee Ashcroft struck the woodwork before and after Liddell’s 28th-minute breakthrough.

Substitute Stuart Roberts again offered Swansea hope when he left the bench to replace limping Steve Jones on the half-hour, but his team could have trailed by a cricket score at the interval.

Said Hollins, “We were very poor in the first half. They could have had four after 45 minutes. I had a few quiet words with the lads at the break and we were much better in the second period.

“I thought we asked them some questions eventually, but then gave another goal away through dreadful defending.”

You could see what Hollins meant. For Wigan’s second, Ashcroft’s ball pierced Swansea’s right flank and the pacy Liddell needed no prompting as he sped past a couple of static markers.

SIMON HAWORTH, the forgotten man of Welsh international soccer last night spoke of his prayers for Swansea to cheat the Second Division relegation axe.

Such sentiments would, perhaps, have been unheard of a few years back coming from the five-times capped Welshman who once wore the blue of Swans’ arch-rivals Cardiff City.

The Wigan striker, 23, still recalls the winner he netted for the Bluebirds in a fierce war with Swansea at the Vetch Field during the Jan Molby era over three years ago.

The Cardiff-born striker now takes his perspective from a birdseye view of Welsh football.

Ironically, alongside two-goal colleague Andy Liddell, the gangly Haworth had one of his better games of the season at the JJB Stadium on the weekend as John Hollins’s strugglers returned to South Wales pointless after a 2-0 defeat.

The failing Swans’ plight in their section worsens, but the maturing Haworth - on course for Division One with his Lattics - says Swansea have to escape Division Two’s bottom four for the sake of the Welsh nation.

He explained, “Swansea’s situation is worrying me. They are clearly in trouble. We played them at the Vetch Field on the opening game of the season and I have to say, they looked a lot better than they appear now to be.

“Maybe Swansea’s adrenaline was running high in that first match, on reflection the display could have been a false dawn.”

The Swans have managed only two league victories since October 14 last year - Stoke (2-1) and Walsall (3-1) - but Haworth is anxious the Swans stay in a division that could contain Wrexham and Cardiff next August.

He said, “I really want them to stay up. Relegation for Swansea would be a terrible thing for Wales. Cardiff are having a great season, but we need all our Welsh clubs to be pulling in the right direction - from grass roots to National level.

“I would love to see City, Wrexham and Swansea in the same league next season, that would make for some brilliant derby matches.”

Meanwhile, Haworth’s own career in Lancashire is gaining momentum. Since landing in the North West after a £600,000 move from Premiership Coventry in the autumn of 1998, he has scored 46 goals in 91 starts.

The predator has 11 goals in 18 starts this season so far and only two months ago Cardiff power-broker Sam Hammam attempted to lure him back to Ninian Park in a record-breaking £850,000 move.

Reflected Haworth, “My ambition in school was always to play for City and I was fortunate enough to achieve it at an early age.

But Haworth dreams of wearing the Bluebirds shirt again one day. He said, “I rarely return to Cardiff now, because I have a home in Wigan. It would be lovely to play for City once more, though.”

SWANSEA'S woes in the lower reaches of the Second Division continued when they were given a hiding by promotion chasing Wigan. The scoreline flattered the visitors, who were outplayed throughout, and only the agility of veteran keeper Roger Freestone kept the scoreline respectable.

Swansea had no answer to the pace of a Wigan side whose own form had stuttered of late. They turned in their best performance for weeks to ensure that the points were never in doubt. Swansea had to reshuffle after they were hit by an early injury to Steve Jones, but by then they were already trailing to a 27th minute goal from Wigan striker Andy Liddell.

The former Barnsley man, a constant thorn in the Swansea side, scored with a delightful low drive from the edge of the area to reward the home side following a frantic spell of pressure. Swansea rallied briefly and Wigan keeper Derek Stillie denied Steve Watkin and Ryan Casey with smart saves, then Giovanni Savarese blazed over from a great position.

It was the sum total of Swansea's threat and Wigan made the game safe with 20 minutes left. Again Liddell was the scorer, picking up a ball from Lee Ashcroft before shooting past Freestone.

Swansea's day of misery was complete with five minutes left when defender Jason Smith was sent off. Smith tackled Liddell from behind and Barrow referee Trevor Jones pulled out a red card, much to the amazement of both sets of players.

By then the damage had been done and unless Swansea find some firepower from somewhere their climb away from the relegation fight is going to be long and hard.