ROGER FREESTONE only realised he was on the brink of his 500th league appearance last week.

“I didn’t even know I was close so it’s a nice surprise,” admitted the evergreen goalkeeper. “Last week a friend phoned me and said my next game would be my 500th. “It should have happened at Northampton but the match was postponed.

“The most important thing about the Millwall game is the right result because we need to win a few games.”

Freestone, who has committed himself to the Swans for another three years, added, “I’m enjoying football more than ever. Hopefully, I can go on for a lot longer.

“The important thing is to keep yourself fit and it would be nice if I could still be playing when I’m in my 40s.”

SWANSEA CITY goalkeeper Roger Freestone will notch up his 500th league appearance tomorrow - and before the kick-off he can expect a congratulatory call from the man who signed him for the Swans 10 years ago.

“I’ll definitely ring Roger to say ‘well done’ - but I’ll be reversing the charges!” said former Swansea manager Frank Burrows, now assistant manager at West Bromwich Albion.

Swansea supporters have had 2,000 cards with “500” stamped on them made for the visit of Second Division leaders Millwall.

They will be handed to fans entering the North Bank who will wave them at Freestone when he runs on to the pitch.

“For a footballer to make 500 league appearances is a fantastic achievement,” said Burrows.

“It’s a special landmark for players and Roger deserves all the plaudits the supporters give him because he’s been a magnificent servant to the club.”

Burrows signed Newport-born Freestone - the longest-serving player at the Vetch - from Chelsea in September 1991 for £50,000 after he had impressed on a loan spell the previous season.

“I sold another goalkeeper, Lee Bracey, to Halifax for the same amount, so in effect the Swans had Roger for nothing. He was one of the best signings I made at Swansea.

“I would definitely say he was among the best three or four signings I ever made as a manager.

“I never had any trouble with him. He’s a very consistent player and up there with the Swansea greats like Alan Curtis and the late Robbie James. I really would put him in that category.

“I saw him play for Newport County when he was only 17 or 18. He was a big, strong boy and went to Chelsea, but like a lot of young players he got lost at a big club.

“When there was the chance to sign him I moved fast. He had good hands and was a confident youngster. He wanted first-team football and was keen to come back to Wales.”

Freestone made 13 league appearances for Newport before joining Chelsea in 1986. He played 42 league games in his four seasons at Stamford Bridge and had a loan spell with Hereford before signing for Burrows.

“Roger was never the best runner in training,” recalled the Scot. “I never saw him at the front but he has a good attitude and is great in the dressing room.

Freestone’s superb form during Swansea’s Third Division championship triumph last season was rewarded with his first Welsh cap, against Brazil at the Millennium Stadium last May.

“To be picked shows how consistent he’s been because Mark Hughes (Wales manager) appears loathe to select play-ers outside the Premiership,” said Burrows.

“It was a superb achievement, especially at Roger’s age and considering he was playing in the lower divisions.

“It was Roger who won us the Auto-glass Trophy (in 1994). We played Huddersfield, they were expected to win but it went to penalties and he saved two of theirs.

“He came up trumps and that showed he could play on the big stage. Wembley didn’t faze him at all.”

GIOVANNI Savarese's wife Michelle is due to give birth to their first child at the end of March and all at Swansea City are suggesting the baby should be called Jack.

The unconvinced Savarese laughs at the idea each time it is put to him, but it is further evidence of how well the 29-year-old Venezuelan has settled in at Vetch Field.

"The local people on the street have been really friendly right from the start," he said.

"We think Wales is a very nice country, though the weather could be better. But I am told it is great in the summer so hopefully it will improve before the end of the season."

Perhaps it is less surprising that the South American adapted so easily when you discover more about him.

He is a man who has been there, attended the language class and had his passport stamped. Born in Caracas to Italian parents, he is fluent in Italian, Spanish, Portuguese and English.

Some Swans supporters may have wondered what to expect when John Hollins signed the man who can count San Jose Earthquakes, New York Metrostars, New England Revolution and Long Island Rough Riders among his former clubs.

But Savarese has become a firm fans' favourite since scoring two debut goals at the Vetch to sink promotion hopefuls Stoke City back in October.

In fact, the Swans have claimed at least a point every time the Venezuelan international has been on the score-sheet.

"Personally, I am very pleased to have scored a few goals after my team-mates made me feel so at home," he said.

"But I would be enjoying myself much more if we could get up the table. The important thing is to get results."

Swansea have found goals hard to come by as a side this season, so they have been grateful for the services of a player who clearly has the right instincts where it matters.

The free-transfer signing explained that he had not found it too difficult to get used to British football.

"I wouldn't say the game over here is quicker, more non-stop. And I enjoy that," said the six-foot frontman.

And Savarese, who has 10 international goals to his name, believes the Swans do have what it takes to avoid relegation back to Division Three.

"We have proved ourselves by beating good teams like Reading and Walsall. I know we have good enough players," he said.

Whether the Swans survive or not, their top scorer's contract is up in the summer.

So what are the chances of the Savareses' child growing up in South Wales?

"I am not thinking about my future at the moment, just focusing on helping keep Swansea up," he added. "But I'd love to stay."


ROGER Freestone fans will be able to pay tribute to the Swans goalkeeper at Sunday's game.

To mark his 500th league appearance, volunteers will be handing out A4 Roger posters outside the ground before kick-off.

The tribute has been organised by the 32-year-old Welsh international's testimonial committee. Next season is Freestone's testimonial year and it is hoped a Premiership club will visit the Vetch.

Individuals or businesses who wish to get involved should contact organisers Phil Sumbler on 01792-843507 or Keith Haynes on 01452-621007. The posters can also be downloaded from Freestone's personal website at www.rogerfreestone.com.

ALAN Curtis has revealed the players and management at Swansea City are trying to ignore that the relegation-threatened club is up for sale.

Owners Ninth Floor put their 52 per cent controlling share on the market on Monday and that has left a feeling of uncertainty at the Vetch.

But assistant manager Curtis said it was business as usual on the playing front.

"Our job is to try to play football," said Curtis.

"It has not unsettled me and it is a fact of life of now that the club is up for sale.

"The players will just get on with it and we will remain focused until the end of the season."

Curtis knew how Connah's Quay Nomads felt after Matthias Verschave's late winner last night in the FAW Premier Cup but was not about to say sorry.

He saw the Swans shattered by two late goals at Bristol City last week and felt they were due a bit of luck.

"It was a difficult game and Connah's Quay defended really well, but we are not going to apologise for scoring in the last minute," said Curtis.

"We have had our fair share of heartbreak already this season."

Curtis was pleased with the displays of the two debutants, midfielder Nicolas Fabiano and striker Matthias Verschave.

The youngsters arrived on loan until the end of the season from French giants Paris St Germain earlier this week.

"They showed some really good touches and were pacy. There were a lot of good signs in what is a strange environment for them," he said.

"Matt showed if he gets a sniff he will take a chance. "

Swansea City...1
Connah's Quay...0

DEBUTANT Matthias Verschave hit an injury-time winner to save Swansea City's blushes last night and send them into the quarter-finals of the FAW Premier Cup.

The game looked destined to be goalless until the Frenchman finally broke Connah's Quay Nomads' resistance in the 93rd minute of an entertaining game.

A stalemate would have been disastrous for the Swans against a struggling League of Wales side who had lost five out of five in the tournament.

Despite a brave, well-organised display from the North Walians, the Swans midfield dominated proceedings and John Hollins's men should really have sealed the win much earlier.

On a chily night at Llanelli's Stebonheath Park, an 86th minute male streaker clad only in baseball cap and socks brought by far the biggest cheer from the crowd before Verschave's last gasp strike.

The 23-year-old, signed on loan from Paris St Germain earlier this week, latched on to a loose ball in the Nomads penalty area and turned his man before striking the ball right-footed in off the post.

Verschave worked hard and looked pacey up front, but whether his opportunistic goal will persuade Hollins to play him in the crunch league game against Millwall on Sunday is questionable.

His compatriot and 20th birthday boy Nicolas Fabiano showed some lovely touches in his free role behind the front two, although at times he was guilty of trying to be too clever.

Perhaps the two Frenchmen were inspired by the Tricolour flag being waved by one young Swans supporter.

A nice effort, though it was blazoned with a portrait of Eric 'The King' Cantona.

In fact, it was the Nomads who came closest to scoring prior to Verschave's goal.

Former Wales Under-21 international Jon Kenworthy broke down the right in the 12th minute, fed the impressive Steve Futcher and his cross was met by Stuart Rain.

His header beat Roger Freestone but came back off the post and rebounded to safety.

After that, Neville Powell's side were restricted to long-range shots which never looked like troubling Freestone.

The Swans created a hatful of chances, not least skipper Nick Cusack's drive from the edge of the area which was deflected over mid-way through the second half.

Verschave threatened a couple of times before before backheeling to Fabiano whose drive was well saved by Phil Collister. Steve Watkin also came close but had a generally disappointing night.

The commitment of the Swans midfield, in particular young Bari Morgan, deserved the three points and a virtually guaranteed home draw in the next round.

Swansea City:

Freestone, Gregson (repl Thomas 68), De-Vulgt, Cusack (capt), Todd, Bound, Fabiano, Morgan (repl Mumford 77), Verschave, Watkin (repl Mutton 86), Phillips. Subs not used: Mounty, Battista.

Bookings: Morgan (55).

Goals: Verschave 93.

Connah's Quay Nomads:

Collister, Thomas, Hopkin, Mazzarella (repl Terry 11, Pugh 45), Horan, Smith (capt), Futcher, Carol, Stanhope, Kenworthy, Rain. Subs not used: Barrowman, Griffiths, Edwards.

Bookings: Rain (56), Carrol (61), Hopkins (83).

Attendance: 626.

Referee: Kevin Morris (Montgomery).

Star Choice: Bari Morgan.

DREAM strike by Frenchman Matthias Verschave in the third minute of stoppage time booked the Swans an FAW Premier Cup quarter-final spot at chilly Stebonheath Park, Llanelli last night.

The debut-making 23-year-old striker from Paris St Germain’s finish was pure opportunism and smashed the resistance of a stout Nomads side.

League of Wales side Connah’s Quay had looked on course for their first point in the tournament’s qualifying Group C until Verschave’s magnifique intervention.

As expected, Swansea manager John Hollins did give debuts to Paris pair Nicolas Fabiano and, of course, striker Verschave. But the Swans had a youthful look with starlets Bari Morgan and Gareth Phillips in a midfield four.

There was also a return for club captain Nick Cusack and the experienced link man was soon prompting a flurry of slick Swans raids in the opening sorties.

Connah’s Quay, having a disappointing season in the League of Wales, were being engulfed by a white tide in the first half-hour - busy goalkeeper Phil Collister parrying blasts from Cusack, Morgan and Steve Watkin.

But Neville Powell’s Nomads were replying with a swift counter in between after 12 minutes. Ex-Wrexham midfielder Steve Futcher did well on the right and Stuart Rain was unlucky when he powered a shot on to a post from 15 yards.

There was more danger for the Swans six minutes after the restart. The industrious Futcher lifted over before forcing Welsh international ’keeper Roger Freestone to scramble at his near-post moments later with a vicious free-kick.

Swansea were finally advancing on the hour-mark, however. Youngster Leigh De Vulgt worked a sweet cameo with Verschave but Wakin fired his 18-yard drive straight at Collister.

On a bitterly cold evening, temperatures steepled as Montgomery referee Kevin Morris booked Swansea’s Morgan in the 55th minute for an over-zealous challenge on Mike Carroll - the Nomads man following the Swan into the book moments on as the pair clashed again.

Just when it looked as if the Nomads had clinched a share of the spoils, up popped Verschave to drill into the corner with that late finish.

SWANSEA City assistant manager Alan Curtis is hoping the players can get back to winning ways in tonight's FAW Premier Cup clash with Connah's Quay Nomads at Stebonheath Park, Llanelli (7.15).

And the Swans' quest will be spearheaded by their two French debutants, right-sided midfielder Nicolas Fabiano and striker Matthias Verschave.

"We need to get on the winning trail again and will be putting quite a strong side out," said Curtis.

"Connah's Quay have struggled in the competition but they have done well to be in it and while we would expect to win, we must give them the respect they deserve.

"The French boys will play and if they do well they will put themselves in contention for Sunday.

"Their arrival means there is more competition for places which is crucial as every game now is a big one."

Curtis said the FAW Premier Cup was an important competition to Swansea, particularly because of the financial lure of £100,000 to the winners.

As well as Fabiano and Verschave, Curtis said the side would include Nick Cusack, Matthew Bound and Roger Freestone.

The Nomads' hopes in the cup are long over. They have failed to gain a single point in the competition this season, scoring just two and conceding 14 goals in their five defeats.

When they hosted the Swans back in September, the visitors romped to a 5-2 victory.

Swansea midfielder Ryan Casey will certainly not be playing tonight.

He has had an operation at London Bridge Hospital to repair ruptured medial ligaments and the fractured tibia he suffered in last week's defeat of Reading.

The operation was a success and no further damage to the young Irishman's leg was discovered.

"Ryan has to concentrate on resting and recuperating, said a relieved John Hollins.

"Then he will have to work hard to get himself back in tip-top condition which no doubt, knowing Ryan, he will do."

Meanwhile, Premiership Southampton have dismissed rumours on the internet suggesting they were interested in buying into Swansea City and making it their feeder club.

"We are currently in the process of buying into a Chilean club to make it a feeder and that is our main concern at the moment," a Southampton spokesman said.

Yet another Swans game has been postponed, adding to fears that the club will have to play three games each week towards the end of the season.

The visit of Brentford to Vetch Field scheduled for March 20 must be moved because one of the sides will be involved in the second leg of the LDV Vans Trophy area final.

If it is the Swans, their FAW Premier Cup match against Total Network Solutions on March 13 will also have to be rearranged because of the first leg.

The Brentford game, which was originally postponed back in December, will now be played in late April.

One of the Swans' new loan signings from Paris St Germain has been talking of their anticipation about the challenges lying ahead at the Vetch.

19-year-old midfielder Nikolas Fabiano speaks little English, but 23-year-old striker Matthia Verschave said: ''We're looking forward to it - we want progress. Swansea are a good professional side and we're certain to play more first team games than we'd have been playing in Paris.''

He said that both he and Fabiano were keen to do what they could to help turn the Swans season around and said both he and Fabiano enjoyed scoring goals.

He said that the popularity of the English game in France was one of the big factors that persuaded them to come over here, and said that everyone including manager John Hollins and assistant Alan Curtis had been very welcoming to them.

He also said that he was sure they could overcome the South Wales weather of which they have seen little but rain since they arrived.

The duo are set to make their debut tomorrow night.

SWANSEA CITY’s two loan signings from French giants Paris St Ger-main plan to follow in the illustrious footsteps of Nicolas Anelka.

Anelka was a virtual unknown when he left PSG to join Arsenal in 1996 but during his three-year spell at Highbury he became an international star, winning ‘The Double’ with the Gunners and then the Champions’ League with Real Madrid before returning to Paris last year.

Matthias Verschave and Nicolas Fabiano, who have signed for the Swans until the end of the season, hope their experience at the Vetch will help them break into the PSG first team.

“Anelka is a friend of mine and when he came to England he was an unknown,” said striker Verschave,

“Maybe I can be like him. I want to do what he did, if that’s possible. I believe I have the right qualities to make it in this country.”

Midfielder Fabiano, who today celebrates his 20th birthday, added, “I’m very happy to be at Swansea. In Paris I played in the second team. For me personally, it’s better to play in the first team here.

“It was very frustrating in Paris. If you want to play in the first team you have no choice but to go to anther club and then, when you come back, you might have a chance.”

Verschave and Fabiano will make their Swansea debuts tonight in the FAW Premier Cup match against Connah’s Quay at Llanelli’s Stebon-heath Park.

“I want to play first-team football,” said Verschave. “Paris was not good for me because I was playing for the reserves.

“I didn’t play because of all the big players at the club. For young players like Nicolas and myself, it’s very difficult to progress there.”

Verschave has been unable to oust Anelka and Brazilian Christian Dionisio from the PSG front-line.

“I need the experience. I need to play games. That’s why I’m here,” he added.

“I didn’t want to stay at Paris St Germain this season because I knew the coach would not play me. But I hope to play for them in the future because it’s my city and my team.”

Both players could now feature in Sunday’s vital home league match with top-of-the-table Millwall, alongside fellow Frenchman David Romo who joined Swansea in October.

“I know British football is more physical than French football,” said Fabiano, a right-sided midfielder who manager John Hollins has tracked for the last eight months.

“But I like physical football. My game needs to become more physical, so that side of it should improve while I am here.”

Fabiano, a member of the French team that won the Uefa under-18 European Championship last summer, added, “Everyone has been very friendly to us since we arrived and I wouldn’t mind staying with an English or Welsh club.”

Verschave and Fabiano - who both have a year left on their PSG contracts - were in Swansea for talks last week and watched the Swans beat Reading in the LDV Vans Trophy.

“I know the football here is physical but that doesn’t frighten me because I’m a hard player,” said Verschave. John Hartson’s on-off move from Wimbledon to Coventry City was reported to be back on last night.

Coventry City are preparing a deal which they will pay the Dons £15,000 a game for the Welsh international to help them in their relegation fight.

IT will be all for one and one for all at Vetch Field for the rest of the season as Swansea's new musketeers lead a French resistance against a drop back into the third division.

David Romo has been joined at the club this week by midfielder Nicolas Fabiano, who celebrates his 20th birthday tomorrow, and 23-year-old striker Matthias Verschave, who were both signed on loan yesterday until the end of the season from French giants Paris St Germain.

Manager John Hollins is hoping that his own French connection can provide the spark which is needed to pull Swansea away from the relegation zone.

Romo, for one, is happy that his fellow countrymen have made the trip to Wales and joined him at the club.

"I am very happy now," he said.

"I live in Gowerton with my girlfriend, it is really good for me now. I have settled in here well and I believe the two new players can make a difference to the club.

"I think the team will still be in the Second Division next season and Fabiano and Matthias will help us stay up."

Fabiano, who speaks very little English, and Verschave, who can speak the language, are set to make their debuts against Connah's Quay Nomads in the FAW Premier Cup tomorrow.

The three played against each other in the French league reserve section where Romo played for Guingamp but have yet to join together for the same team.

Swansea's midfielder is looking forward to joining forces on the field in the battle against relegation.

"The manager has asked to keep playing the way we do now," said Romo, who is looking to add a more physical side to his game.

"He is looking to us for the French flair and maybe we can be Swansea's Three Musketeers!"

Verschave and Fabiano are both looking forward to the challenge after not being able to find a place in PSG's starting line-up, although Verschave has made a couple of appearances in the first team this season.

The striker has found it difficult and says he has come to Swansea to progress.

"I am already in the reserve team at PSG," said Verschave.

"I want to stay in Britain and Swansea were looking for a striker and I needed first-team experience so that is why I am here."

The French trio have already experienced a difference in the British and French games, even in the short time they have been here.

"There is more space for strikers and midfielders," said Fabiano in his broken English. I am looking forward to my time here."

All three have also sampled something else unique to this part of the world.

"There is a lot of difference between Paris St Germain and Swansea," said Verschave.

"At PSG there is a lot of money and the players play for themselves and not for the club.

"It is not good for the younger players. Here, I like the family touch, everybody has made us feel welcome and been really friendly to us."

John Hollins has realised he might be on to something big and said: "I am very pleased to have signed the two new players. They will be very useful additions to the squad. They have enjoyed themselves so far and are working hard. If they can impress in this weather and are willing to work as hard as David Romo has since he arrived then they will be a success."

Verschave and Fabiano have also been impressed since their arrival last week.

"Everything at Swansea has impressed us," they said.

"The coaches are very good, very intelligent, there are good players and the city is very good.

"It's just the weather that is bad."

Hollins will hoping his Three Musketeers will be able to cross swords with the defences in the Second Division and add that extra dimension needed to keep the Swans up.

SWANSEA City have switched the venue for tomorrow night's game against Connah's Quay Nomads to Llanelli's Stebonheath Park (7.15).

The Swans should have been at home in the FAW Premier Cup tie but it has been moved to the Reds' ground to protect the Vetch Field pitch.

The Vetch has to be in good condition for the visit of Second Division leaders Millwall on Sunday and for the LDV Vans Trophy southern section semi-final against Brentford on Wednesday night.

"The Barry Town match two weeks ago was moved to Merthyr, and despite criticism from supporters it is felt that a switch is the best option again," said club spokesman Peter Owen.

"With continuing heavy rain forecast, there is a fear that if the game is played at the Vetch further damage to the pitch may result in the surface being unplayable on Sunday."

The club said they were using Llanelli rather than Merthyr so fans would not have so far to travel. Tickets for the game are £3 for adults and £1 concessions.

Swansea will be without striker Walter Boyd who returned to Jamaica on Sunday to attend the funeral of close friend and former Reggae Boyz team-mate Steve Malcolm.

Malcolm was tragically killed in a car crash which also involved fellow Jamaica international and Hull City player Theodore Whitmore.

Boyd is expected to be back in Wales before the weekend.

But Swansea's latest foreign recruits, Frenchmen Nicolas Fabiano and Matthias Verschave from Paris St Germain, are expected to play.

The pair have signed until the end of the season and trained with their new team-mates at Morfa yesterday.

Meanwhile, Swansea have won their battle with Brentford over the date of the LDV game.The Swans wanted the game played on Wednesday to give pitch and players time to recover from the game against Millwall.

"We were forced by the police, with no support from the Football League, to move the Millwall game to Sunday," said Swans managing director Mike Lewis.

"The knock-on effect of that is that our regular midweek slot of Tuesday is not feasible in our eyes."

The Bees wanted a Tuesday night match to give their players resting time ahead of their game with Millwall the following Friday night.

The Football League have decided in Swansea's favour and the game will now be played on Valentine's Day.

Llanelli entertain Aberystwyth Town at Stebonheath in the quarter-final of the Gilbert Cup tonight (7.30).

Swansea City on Tuesday completed the loan signings of Paris St Germain duo Matthias Verschave and Nicolas Fabiano until the end of the season.

The pair arrived on trial last week and impressed manager John Hollins during training, who had no hesitation in adding Verschave and Fabiano to the players roster. The Paris St Germain pair join compatriot David Romo at the Vetch Field.

"I'm very pleased to have signed them, they will be very useful additions to the squad," Hollins said. "They have enjoyed themselves so far and are working hard. If they can impress in this weather, and are willing to work as hard as David Romo has since he arrived, they will be a success."

Midfielder Fabiano, who celebrates his 20th birthday on Thursday, was a member of the France team that won the UEFA U18 European Championship last summer.

Verschave will add some much-needed variety for Swansea up front. The striker has been unable to dislodge the first-choice pairing of former Arsenal and Real Madrid forward Nicolas Anelka and Brazilian Christian Dionisio at Paris St Germain, but was leading scorer for the reserve side last season.

"A lot of people have said that we both have the correct playing styles to make a success in Britain," Verschave said. "We both have a contract at PSG for one more season, but we are looking to move to the English game permanently. If it is possible, we would like to stay in Britain, maybe at Swansea."

Hollins has confirmed that he intends to give the two Frenchman their debut on Thursday night in the FAW Premier Cup home tie against Connahs Quay.

SWANSEA CITY are facing major fixture problems after the postponement of last night's Second Division match at Northampton.

The Swans' fight against relegation could be hampered by the fact that they must average at least two games a week until the end of the season.

"It's already a very demanding programme," said Swansea spokesman Peter Owen after an early postponement at the Sixfields Stadium because of a waterlogged pitch.

"We still have other matches, including the league games against Northampton, Brentford and, possibly, Wrexham, to re-arrange."

Swansea's hectic schedule begins with tomorrow's FAW Premier Cup-tie against Connah's Quay Nomads. The venue has been switched to Stebonheath Park, Llanelli, to protect the Vetch pitch.

The Swans have just spent a four-figure sum on plastic covering for the entire playing surface.

But they did not want to risk damage from heavy rain during the Connah's Quay game threatening home matches against league leaders Mill-wall on Sunday (1pm) and Brentford in the LDV Vans Trophy three days later.

Brentford wanted to play the southern area semi-final next Tuesday, but the Football League decided it must be played on Wednesday, 48 hours before the Bees clash with Millwall.

Swansea had pointed out they were under police orders to switch the Millwall match from Saturday to Sunday.

Earlier postponements of the league game with Brentford and four Premier Cup-ties have added to fixture congestion the Swans could have well done without as they battle to avoid zrelegation.

The league game with Brentford, rearranged for Tuesday March 20, will have to be put off again because it clashes with the second leg of the LDV Vans Trophy southern final in which

Swansea or Brentford will be competing.

The first leg will be played on March 13 when Swansea are due to play their Premier Cup-tie against TNS.

The Swans, who have their sights set on the LDV Vans Trophy final at the Millennium Stadium on April 20, might also have to find a new date for the home league game against Wrexham on March 24.

The game will have to be re-arranged if either of the two clubs has three play-ers on Wales senior or under-21 duty that week.

SWANSEA City's match at Northampton Town scheduled for tonight has been postponed because of heavy overnight rain.

The Sixfields pitch was still covered in puddles this morning and match referee Pete Walton had no hesitation in ruling out the fixture.

This latest postponement has added to a fixture backlog which is causing some concern at Vetch Field.

"We have not got a spare mid-week until April now so obviously it is getting a bit difficult," said club spokesman Peter Owen.

The Swans are still competing in the LDV Vans Trophy and the FAW Premier Cup as well as the league and the end-of-season fixtures are now piling up.

Meanwhile, the club has asked the Football League to intervene after it failed to agree a date with Brentford for their LDV Vans Trophy southern section semi-final.

The Vetch game must be played next week and because of the visit of Millwall this Sunday the Swans would prefer to face Brentford on Wednesday.

The Swans say the pitch and their players should have the extra day to recover.

Brentford, though, are due to host Millwall the following Friday night and so want to play Swansea on Tuesday to give their players more recovery time.

The clubs are awaiting a Football League decision.

Swansea have denied rumours that they are interested in taking Aston Villa striker Richard Walker on loan.

The 24-year-old, who has been restricted to just 20 minutes of Premier League action this season, has been made available for loan by manager John Gregory.

"It is unlikely that we are going to bring in another striker seeing as we have just brought in the two French players," said Swans spokesman Peter Owen.

Walker has also attracted interest from Bristol City, Swindon Town, Luton Town and Kidderminster.

SWANSEA CITY were last night awaiting international clearance for loan signings Nicolas Fabiano and Matthias Verschave from French club Paris St Germain.

Striker Verschave, aged 23 and 19-year-old midfielder Fabiano were at the Vetch Field to sign yesterday after passing routine medicals. They will travel with the team for tonight’s match at Northampton (7.45) which is doubtful due to a waterlogged pitch.

A referee will make an 8am inspection today to avoid the Swans and their fans having to make a fruitless journey if the pitch is unplayable.

Manager John Hollins will probably keep faith with the side that was so un-lucky to lose to Bristol City at Ashton Gate on Saturday.

Despite being reduced to 10 men for 72 minutes after the dismissal of fullback Michael Howard, the Swans more than matched their promotion-chasing rivals and seemed destined for a precious point until Bristol scored twice in the last minute.

“Saturday’s performance proved we could compete with one of the form teams in the division,” said assistant manager Alan Curtis.

“But we need to start picking up points to get us out of relegation danger.

“The French lads will provide more options. They’ll be able to have a look at us against Northampton and will probably both make their debuts in Thursday night’s FAW Premier Cup- tie against Connah’s Quay Nomads.”

The Swans have asked the Football League to resolve a dispute with Brent-ford over the date of their LDV Vans Trophy southern section final.

The Swans want to play it at the Vetch Field a week tomorrow because they are playing Millwall at home on Sunday.

But Brentford want the cup-tie played next Tuesday because they have a Sky televised League game - also against Millwall - a week Friday.

Swansea City: Freestone, Howard, Smith, Savarese, Watkin, O’Leary, Lacey, Roberts, Price, Jenkins, Keegan, Cusack, Romo, Bound, Mounty, Thomas.

FORMER Wales international Leighton James last night urged Swansea City’s outgoing owners, Ninth Floor plc, to avoid the sale of the club becoming a fiasco.

James, capped 54 times and one of the stars of Swansea’s most successful era under John Toshack, welcomed Ninth Floor’s Stock Exchange announcement that the ailing Second Division club is up for sale.

But he stressed the need for a swift sale.

“We do not want a repeat of the fiasco over the Cardiff City takeover that never was, by a Clive Sullivan-headed consortium last year,” he said.

“It dragged on for months and the uncertainty over the club’s future made working conditions difficult for people at the club from the top to the bottom.

“The manager, Frank Burrows, left and the inevitable outcome was relegation.

“People say takeover talk doesn’t affect the players but of course it does.

“It was a shambles. I wouldn’t want to see Swansea City go down the same road.

“Hopefully somebody will buy the club sooner rather than later and take whatever action is necessary to keep the Swans in the Second Division.

“I have seen enough strength of character and heart in the team’s last two performances against Reading and Bristol City to believe they can stay up.” Doug Sharpe, who sold the club to Ninth Floor, formerly Silver Shield, and former Swans chairman Steve Hamer, have been linked with a would-be take-over consortium.

“I personally think Steve Hamer’s return would be wonderful for the club and believe the majority of supporters are of the same opinion,” added James.

“He had an affinity with the fans because he was one of them. To him it isn’t just a football club. He’s supported the Swans all his life.”

Hamer, who runs London’s National Sporting Club, was sacked by Neil Mc-Clure, Ninth Floor’s chief executive and Swans chairman for refusing to £1.82m. support moves to float the club on the Alternative Stock Market.

But Ninth Floor yesterday announced it had abandoned flotation plans and instructed brokers Seymour

Pierce to find a buyer for the club.

“I am hopeful of an early exit from this invest-ment,” said chairman Alan Wix, reporting Ninth Floor had made a pre-tax loss of £797,000 for the six months to November 30 on a turnover of

During that period the Swans suffered a £208,000 operating loss on a £1.44m turnover.

With the club’s future secure and the new Morfa Stadium project now a certainty, Ninth Floor needed to concentrate on core business, added McClure.

Reportedly, he is already talking to one interested London-based party but insisted, “Fans should be in no doubt that the best interests of Ninth Floor are to see the Swans remain in the Second Division and we will make the commitment necessary to ensure this.

“We will continue to provide every financial assistance until the process of the sale is completed.

“Until then I will remain the club’s chairman and it will be business as usual.”

Hamer, having already expressed an interest in rejoining the club - “I have always felt the job was only half done”

- said last night, “Now the club is on the market, I’m glad all the conjecture over whether or not it was for sale has been lifted.

“Interested parties now have the right to discuss the matter. If, as has been suggested, there is a Sam Hammam-type mystery backer ready to step in, good.

“It would be wonderful if somebody could walk in and do an immediate deal because the club, the team and the manager John Hollins are in need of a lift.”

The decision to sell the club was welcomed by Swans fans, too.

“Hopefully someone will soon buy the club. The move to the Morfa is a big carrot,” said Ugo Vallario.

John Button said, “Supporters will hope for a quick sale and that the new owner is someone with greater passion for the club than Neil McClure.”

Northampton v Swansea preview

Northampton boss Kevin Wilson has no new injury concerns as he prepares his side for their Second Division clash with Swansea at Sixfields.

Midfielder Lee Crooks is nearing full fitness after missing the last two games with a knee injury. Crooks is on loan from Manchester City and is more likely to be in contention for the home clash with Luton on Saturday.

Impressive

Swansea are hoping their new French loan signings receive international clearance in time for the match. Midfielder Nicolas Fabiano, 19, and 23-year-old striker Matthias Verschave will be on loan at the Vetch until the end of the season from Paris Saint Germain.

The French pair impressed manager John Hollins in a trial last week but it is unlikely they will figure agaisnt Northampton.

In contention

Swansea's Ryan Casey has been ruled out for the rest of the season with knee trouble.

A specialist has revealed that Casey ruptured medial ligaments during last Tuesday's LDV Vans Trophy clash against Reading. Jon Coates is still "a few weeks away" from a return to action after a long-term injury.

Coates is back in training with the rest of the first team but is lacking the fitness to be available for selection.

Swansea defender Steve Jones is in contention for a place in the team after overcoming a thigh injury which has caused him to miss the last few games.

Swansea City have been put up for sale by their owners Ninth Floor plc after weeks of speculation.

The company issued its half-yearly financial report which showed pre-tax losses of £797,000. It is expected the club will go on sale at a value of £3million.

Swansea chairman Neil McClure assured fans that the company will not jeopardise the club's Second Division status by pulling out before new buyers are found but admitted the company is now putting its resources into its "core business".

McClure, chief executive of Ninth Floor, feels the club's long-term future is safe, pointing in particular to the development of Swansea's new Morfa Stadium which will be the club's home from 2002.

He said: "We have ploughed millions of pounds into Swansea City over the past three years, firstly to secure its long-term future and secondly to ensure that the club was able to be in a position to take advantage of the opportunities that the move to the new Morfa Stadium would provide.

"From our first meeting with the City and County of Swansea, just over four years ago, we have driven the Morfa project forward, taking it from conception to reality.

"The new stadium is now a certainty, the stadium will be built and ready to use by summer 2002, and both Swansea City and Swansea RFC will be playing at the new Morfa ground.

"As the future of Swansea City and Morfa is secure, Ninth Floor plc now needs to concentrate on core business, and that means in particular putting all of our resources into the development of technology-based solutions for building and property management.

"Fans should be in no doubt that the best interests of Ninth Floor are to see the Swans remain in the Second Division, and we will make the commitment necessary to ensure this.

"Ninth Floor will continue to provide every financial assistance to Swansea City, until the process of the sale is completed. "Until then, I will continue to stay on as chairman of the club and, for the time being, it will be business as usual."

SWANS owners Ninth Floor plc today ended weeks of speculation and announced it is putting the club up for sale. But it will not affect the Morfa Stadium project which Ninth Floor chief executive Neil McClure said was now a certainty.

Rumours have circulated for weeks that the company was putting the club up for sale with a £3million price tag.

But Ninth Floor denied the rumours until today when the company said it had to concentrate resources on other areas of the business.

Ninth Floor also announced today its half-yearly report showing a pre-tax loss of £797,000.

"We have ploughed millions of pounds into Swansea City over the past three years, " said Mr McClure.

"We did this to secure its long-term future and secondly to ensure that the club was able to be in a position to take advantage of the opportunities that the move to a new Morfa Stadium would provide.

"The new Morfa project is now a certainty, the stadium will be built and ready to use by summer 2002, and both Swansea City and Swansea RFC will be playing at the new ground.

"As the future of Swansea City and Morfa is secure, Ninth Floor plc now needs to concentrate on core business and that means, in particular, putting all our resources into the development of technology based solutions for building and property management.

"Fans should be in no doubt that the best interests of Ninth Floor are to see the Swans remain in the second division and we will make the commitment necessary to ensure this.

"Ninth Floor will continue to provide every financial assistance to Swansea City AFC until the process of the sale is completed," promised Mr McClure.

Independent Travelling Swans spokesman David Morgan said: "It has been expected and is welcome because it has been getting very stale down there for while.

"It is obvious that the people in charge are not Swansea City supporters and don't have much interest in the club.

"Realistically we want someone who is a life-long supporter of the club.

"There are rumours that Steve Hamer is putting a consortium together. He is a Swans supporter, so that will be a good thing but he put the consortium together with Ninth Floor so let's hope he has learned from his mistakes."

SWANSEA City assistant manager Alan Curtis said his players did everything right against Bristol City except the most important thing — score.

The 10-men Swans held out for around 70 minutes after Michael Howard was sent off for a professional foul early in the first half of the 3-1 defeat at Ashton Gate.

Swansea wasted golden chances to score in a second-half in which they more than matched Bristol and Curtis rued those as he reflected on a cruel day.

"Obviously what we didn't do right is score a goal," said Curtis.

"I thought we really battled hard and it looked as though we had come through the worst.

"But football is a cruel game sometimes and just when you think you get what you deserve, the game jumps up and kicks you where it hurts, especially when you are right down there.

"We said at half-time that we had to defend in numbers but also had to get something going forward.

"We did that and created two or three great chances, one of which we desperately needed to take.

"But there was always that horrible feeling that the longer you go on that something is going to go wrong.

"You cannot defend for 45 minutes. we did it for 44 but it was not to be and the third goal was immaterial."

Curtis said that Danny Wilson's men deserved credit because they remained patient and at the same time kept coming forward despite Swansea having most of the play in the second half.

But he also gave credit to his players who, he said, gave absolutely everything before coming away with nothing.

"I cannot fault the boys for their effort," he said.

"They battled all the way and it was cruel for them to lose the way they did.

"But on a positive note it has once again proved that we can play against these teams.

"We have said all along that we can match sides and if we can do it for 70 minutes against Bristol City at home with 10 men then think what we should be able to do with our full 11.

"I think performances like this put us in good stead for the rest of the season."

Meanwhile the club was due to find out today whether their two new French loan stars will be available to face Northampton tomorrow night.

The club must have clearance from the French Football Federation before Nicolas Fabiano and Matthias Verschave can make their debuts.

The Paris St Germain players were due back in Swansea today after returning to the French capital over the weekend.

But Swans boss John Hollins may have to wait until Thursday or Sunday to see his new men in action.

"We must get clearance before lunchtime for Nicolas and Matthias to be available for the Northampton game. It's in the lap of the Gods now," said Swans spokesman Peter Owen.

Fans wishing to go to Sixfields tomorrow should contact the club shop for details of the official supporters' club travel.

Seats are still available on the coach which leaves Morriston at 1.30pm, priced at £15.

Bristol City 3 Swansea City 1

FOOTBALL can be a cruel game. If you want evidence of this look at what happened to Swansea City at Ashton Gate.

For 72 minutes the Swans played with 10 men after left-back Michael Howard was sent off for a professional foul on winger Scott Murray.

After Howard’s dismissal, Bristol City - chasing promotion from Division Two and boasting a £1.6m strike force - were expected to score a hatful against a relegation-haunted Swansea side that had not won away from home in the league since September 12.

But John Hollins’s men, who took a shock lead in the 12th minute courtesy of Stuart Roberts, produced their best display for some time.

Indeed, the Swans were the better team for most of the second half, and thanks to the vision of playmaker David Romo created two outstanding chances that could have won them the game.

With the score 1-1, both Roberts and Giovanni Savarese found themselves oneon-one with goalkeeper Steve Phillips, but neither player took his chance.

Then in the last minute of normal time, and just when it seemed Bristol City had run out of ideas, substitute Peter Beadle headed past Roger Freestone. Tony Thorpe scored an academic and undeserved third in injury time.

“It is heartbreaking,” said Hollins, “but my heart isn’t broken. After playing like that against a team which is seventh I think we’ll be fine.

“We worked extremely hard. We had 10 men for most of the game, yet we had the better chances. We had opportunities to go 2-1 up, possibly 3-1. If we had stuck those away it would have been interesting to see what would have happened.”

It would be difficult to pick out Swansea’s man of the match. Freestone was immaculate in goal while Jason Smith and Kris O’Leary were superb in the heart of defence, subduing the expensive Lee Peacock-Thorpe partnership.

Romo, Roberts, Damian Lacey and Michael Keegan ran themselves into the ground in midfield while Savarese, a lone attacker for much of the game, never stopped harrying home defenders.

With his players tiring in the final quarter of an hour, Hollins surprised many by not using substitutes Matthew Bound and Nick Cusack to tighten the defence. They might have secured a point.

Even Bristol City’s relieved manager, Danny Wilson, admitted it was one-way traffic in the second half.

“We got carried away trying to chase the game and the crowd was willing us forward. I think we were a bit ragged at times,” said Wilson.

It seemed that Swansea’s depressing away record was about to be cheered up when Wales Under-21 international Roberts fired them ahead.

He robbed defender Keith Millen just outside the penalty

area, scampered towards goal and beat Phillips with a low shot. The Bristol ’keeper got his hand to the ball but could not do enough to stop it crossing the line.

Six minutes later Swansea’s delight turned to despair. Peacock released Murray, who showed just why they call him The Flying Scotsman at Ashton Gate.

Showing blinding pace, he sprinted clear to bear down on Freestone’s goal. Howard, trailing in his wake, pulled him down and referee Mark Halsey had no hesitation in fishing the red card from his pocket.

If losing Howard was not bad enough for Swans, the home side levelled a minute later. Murray’s low cross fell to left-back Mickey Bell, who drilled the ball through a posse of Swansea defenders on the goal-line.

But the Swans refused to crumble. Lacey saw his fine 25-yard shot tipped away by Phillips and Matt Hill, under pressure, headed a Swansea corner against his own crossbar.

Swansea should have retaken the lead just before the hour. Romo’s exquisite pass put Roberts clean through but he took far too long to shoot, allowing Hill to catch up and dispossess him. Savarese also wasted a oneon-one opportunity, and Romo’s 30-yard free-kick hit a post.

Bristol City finally threatened in the last 10 minutes. The unmarked Peacock headed straight at Freestone while Thorpe’s shot hit a post.

Just when it seemed that Swans would take a share of the spoils Beadle, who had been on the pitch for only three minutes after replacing Peacock, headed home Bell’s cross at the far post.

In the first minute of injury time, as they searched for a last-gasp equaliser the Swans conceded a third. Murray broke through the now dispirited Swansea rearguard and squared the ball to Thorpe, who rolled it into the empty net.

The Swans left Ashton Gate with nothing. They deserved better.

Swansea have been drawn at home to Brentford in the LDV Vans Trophy Southern section semi-finals.

Semi-final draw - Southern section: Southend v Swindon; Swansea v Brentford Northern section: Port Vale or Darlington v Stoke or Walsall; Lincoln City v Chesterfield Ties to be played week commencing February 12.

Danny Wilson insists there is no coincidence about City's developing knack of scoring crucial late goals.
A week after robbing Kingstonian of FA Cup glory with a last kick equaliser, Wilson's men were at it again yesterday.

The Second Division match with Swansea City at Ashton Gate was tied at 1-1 in the 89th minute when substitute Peter Beadle headed home Mickey Bell's cross.

Just for good measure, Tony Thorpe repeated his injury time strike against Kingstonian and City ran out 3-1 winners against a Swansea side who had defender Michael Howard sent off after 17 minutes.

A delighted Wilson said: "We have been impressing on the lads all season the need to keep playing their passing game, even if things are not going their way.

"You have to stay patient in those circumstances and they have become very good at it.

"Continuing to play the way that suits us best gives us maximum opportunity to break down opponents in the closing stages.
"Scoring late is a great habit to develop and we are starting to do it consistently.

"That says a lot for the character as well as the ability of the players."
The result failed to lift City into the play-off zone but they are only three points behind fourth placed Rotherham United and have two games in hand on second placed Walsall, who are nine points better off and still have to visit Ashton Gate.

Mickey Bell was most people's choice as man-of-the-match, having scored City's 18th minute equaliser and made Beadle's goal in an all-action display on the left flank.
But Wilson preferred to lavish praise on everyone, saying: "It was another real team effort.

"The players are pulling for one another and have a real spirit which is making them difficult to hold.

"We're on another good run, but will continue taking one game at a time.

"Games are coming thick and fast and we can now concentrate on the FA Cup again, with our replay at Kingstonian on Wednesday night."

Wilson's opposite number, John Hollins, thought his side had done enough to earn at least a point.

"It's difficult to accept this," he said.
"We created the best chances in the game and could have been 3-1 up, so I'm very disappointed."

Two goals in the dying minutes from Peter Beadle and Tony Thorpe broke 10-man Swansea's resistence as Bristol City edged to a 3-1 home win today.

The Welshman had taken the lead on 11 minutes when a dreadful mistake from City skipper Keith Millen allowed Stuart Roberts in to score, but within seven minutes, the game had been turned on its head.

Brian Tinnion's through ball on 18 minutes released Scott Murray and as he bore down on goal he was hauled down by Swans' Mike Howard who was immediately shown the red card for a professional foul.

From the resulting free-kick just outside the box, the ball crashed into the wall but fell to Murray, whose low cross found Micky Bell and he drove his shot through a crowd of players and into the net.

The visitors picked themselves up and attempted to push forward, almost getting a reward moments later when Bristol City's Matt Hill headed against his own bar from a corner after being put under pressure.

The Robins regained control through and had several good chances before the close of the half, with top-scorer Thorpe twice going close, denied by visiting keeper Freestone on 24 and then blazing over from six-yards out just before the interval.

Swansea came out in the second period looking the most likely to score and could have taken the lead once again just two minutes in when Roberts broke and looked a certain scorer, but he delayed his shot and allowed Hill to get back with a last-ditch tackle.

Giovanni Savarese also forced Phillips in the home goal into a fine save, before the Swans hit the woodwork again when David Roma's 30-yard free-kick came back off a post.

But the visitors tired and the Robins started to find spaces in the last quarter of the game, although their reward only came a minute from time when substitute Beadle - only on the field for two minutes - rose at the back post to thump in a Bell cross from the left.

Then with Swansea desperately pressing to try and take something from the game, Bristol City struck again, Thorpe rolling home in injury time after being slid in by the dangerous Murray.

It was a crushing blow for Swansea who had defended valiently to try and ease their relegation fears, but the Robins stole the win and with it bolstered their play-off hopes.

Swans are in the chase for out-of-favour Aston Villa striker Richard Walker, who has been made available for loan by John Gregory.

The 24-year-old has been restricted to only 20 minutes of first-team action this season, and is keen to gain more first team experience.

Walker is also attracting interest from Bristol City, Luton, Kidderminster and Swindon.

SWANSEA City chief Neil McClure is believed to be talking to a mystery backer who is prepared to take over the up-for-sale club and invest millions.

Wales on Sunday inquiries have discovered that talks with the interested money man - who is NOT local - have been going on for some time. The news comes as the Swans' umbrella company. Ninth Floor, prepares to announce in the next few days the football club's interim accounts for the year.

Ninth Floor chief McClure, who doubles up as Swans chairman, is also expected to officially announce the club is on the open market. Asked if there had already been nibbles from the interested money- man, McClure confirmed 'Yes, but I can say no more at this stage.'

Further Inquiries, however, to sources close to McClure, indicate talks between the two parties have been going on for some time already. And the mystery backer, thought to come from the London area, is pre- pared to invest the £5m he believes is needed to take the Swans into Division One within a three-year time span.

The take-over talks have been given extra impetus by the prospect of new owners being given the carrot of a new stadium, the 25,000-seater Morfa development having been given the formal go-ahead last week.

"The club have nothing to hide," our source told us.

Swans supremo Neil McClure last night stepped into the 'Has Hollins got money or hasn't he?' debate by saying: No permanent signings - not until players are moved out, anyway.

Swansea's managing director Mike Lewis has always maintained there IS money available to John Hollins - but the manager himself insists there is NOT.

McClure diplomatically tried to say each man was right, claiming: 'Whether money is available or not is not an issue. "My stance as chairman is that I believe our squad of 33 is big enough.

Therefore I believe loan "The books have been looked at in recent months by two of the top accountancy firms in Britain, PriceWaterhouseCoopers and Deloitte & Touche.

"There are no debts. Swansea City is a very saleable asset." Swans fans should not get too excited at present because deals to take over football clubs last for months - and the Swans could be down in Division Three by then.

But it does appear there is a ray of hope, although any new owner would have to resolve a contract poser which could see many of John Hollins's men leave this summer.

The contracts of TEN Swans players are up in June, including Jason Price, Stuart Roberts, Giovanni Savarese, Steve Jones, Walter Boyd and Martin Thomas.

Asked about the players' contractual situation, McClure told us: "Out of 33 first team players in John Hollins's squad, I would say there is a fair chance of 30 per cent of them leaving by next season.

"What that would do is clear the decks for new players to come in, if necessary. "John Hollins has always said he doesn't have the flexibility to shake up the pack because of the squad he inherited. Well he will get his chance at the end of this season.

" THE man who once saved Swansea City from extinction, Doug Sharpe is rumoured to be getting a consortium together to make a bid to regain control of the Vetch Field club.

Sharpe who sold his controlling interest to Silver Shield (that became Ninth Floor), is said to be dismayed at the state of his beloved team at the bottom of the second division.

Sharpe sold out to enable new owners to take the club back to at least the first division, it would seem that the Swans are more likely to be playing third rather than first division football in the short term.

Could Sharpe come back and rescue the Swans yet again? Watch this space!

The Irish international is currently out of the Latics first team and available for a loan spell.

Most long-suffering Swans fans feel this is unlikely, though, as McLaughlin plays for a league club, and Swans have not signed a player from a league club even for nearly three years !

Signings, rather than bringing in yet more permanent players, is the way forward.

"What was being said on the one hand by Mike, and then the other by John, did appear to be a contradiction. But, I repeat, it's not an issue of money - not in terms of whether we can afford players, anyway, because it costs to bring people in on loan.

"But McClure did maintain: "If John brings down the number of players in his squad, by releasing or selling somebody, then he can possibly bring his own permanent signings in.

"Already we've got two or three on the transfer list, including Jason Price. That said, I'm not aware of any great interest being expressed in those players by other clubs at the moment."

McClure pointed out: "From talking to other Division Two chairmen, I believe a squad of 33 is too big, particularly as we ball. A figure of 22 or 23 is more realistic.

"Bournemouth have done well by bringing in loan players - the chap Defoe, who is scoring their goals, being a prime example.

"Funnily enough, they got him from West Ham, just like Swansea had Frank Lampard from West Ham a few years ago. "

A number of other clubs are picking up players for loan spells ranging from three months to six months and I would see that as the best way forward for us too."

Bristol City 3 Swansea 1

PETER BEADLE and Tony Thorpe hit late goals to sink 10-man Swansea. The visitors had taken the lead through Roberts after a mistake by Millen, but their victory hopes were hit when defender Howard was red-carded for tripping Murray.

Bell equalised almost immediately, although Swansea defended valiantly until substitute Beadle headed in Bell's pinpoint cross in the last minute.

Thorpe added the third for Danny Wilson's side in stoppage-time from a Murray pass - his 19th goal of the season - to settle the match and give City three points.

Swansea were left to rue second-half misses by Roberts and Savarese, while a Romo free-kick came back off a post with the keeper beaten.

Swansea have been drawn at home to Brentford in the Southern section semi-finals of the LDV Vans trophy.

The ties will be played midweek on the week commencing February 12th.

Full draw:

North:
Port Vale/Darlington v Stoke City/Walsall
Lincoln City v Chesterfield

South:

Southend v Swindon Town
Swansea City v Brentford.

Ties to be played midweek, on week beginning February 12th.