GOALKEEPER Jason Jones makes his first Nationwide League appearance for two years for a Swansea City side in desperate need of victory against Bury at Gigg Lane today.

Jones, a former Liverpool trainee, joins Swansea’s relegation battle while Roger Freestone serves a one-match suspension for his dismissal against Brentford in the LDV Vans Trophy.

Welsh international Freestone’s consistency has restricted the 21-year-old from Wrexham to just three league appearances since his debut at Mansfield in May 1998.

The last of them was in the 1-l home draw against Carlisle United in February 1999.

“It’s been frustrating for Jason having to understudy Roger who has seen off a number of good keepers at the Vetch Field,” said assistant manager Alan Curtis.

“But he’s a confident lad with plenty of time to break through. I’m sure he won’t let the side down. He certainly won’t be fazed at Bury.

“It’s an opportunity to show what he can do and he’s looking forward to the challenge.”

The Swans were within 90 seconds of their second win in 21 league games at Northampton on Tuesday.

But the Cobblers scored twice in 30 seconds to overturn a 1-0 deficit.

“We had given one of our best performances of the season until those costly late lapses,” said Curtis.

Swansea are strengthened by the return of 14-goal leading scorer Giovanni Savarese and dashing winger Stuart Roberts.

Venezuelan international Savarese was allowed to stay at home with his wife Michelle after she gave birth prematurely to daughter Valentino. Roberts was serving a one-match suspension.

Both were on the team coach travelling to Lancashire yesterday. But the Swans are again likely to be without injured centre-backs Jason Smith and Kris O’Leary.

Jason Price or Nick Cusack will partner Mathew Bound, manager John Hollins probably persevering with wing-backs.

Long-term casualties Steve Jones and Jonathan Coates should soon be back in first team contention. Both played in a midweek reserve game.

“Bury will probably be more direct than Northampton and we can expect another difficult game,” Curtis added.

“We have obviously put ourselves under pressure because of the perilous position we are in.

“But there are still 45 points to play for. We certainly haven’t thrown in the towel.”

Bury are likely to be unchanged from the side whose 1-l draw with Port Vale stretched their unbeaten run to five matches.

“We’ll have to be on our guard because Swansea are fighting for their lives,” said player-manager Andy Preece.

“We’ll be looking for an early goal to drain their confidence.”

Bury boss Andy Preece will still be without defender Danny Swailes as he looks for the Shakers to extend their five-match unbeaten run.

Swailes remains sidelined with a damaged ankle, but otherwise Preece has no other injury or suspension problems to worry about.

"But we'll have to start well as we did against Oxford where we managed to get an early goal," said Preece. "That's so important in terms of giving the team confidence.

"If they (Swansea) can go to Northampton and almost win they must have something about them."

Manager John Hollins will be without experienced goalkeeper Roger Freestone.

Rated doubtful

The former Wales international is suspended following his sending-off during the LDV Vans Trophy southern area semi-final defeat by Brentford.

But Hollins was boosted by the news that on-loan Paris St Germain striker Nicolas Fabiano has shaken off the knee injury.

Defenders Jason Smith, out for four games with an ankle injury, and Kristian O'Leary, who missed the midweek loss with a calf strain, are rated doubtful.

Midfielder Stuart Roberts returns after sitting out the Sixfields setback, when Swansea conceded two goals in the last two minutes, through suspension.

Ahead of the Gigg Lane clash, Hollins reiterated his claim that the club can avoid an immediate return to the Third Division.

He said: "We put in one of our best performances of the season on Tuesday.

"It was a great surface to play on and we worked and used the ball well. For a change we scored first but the final ball did lack quality."

LEIGHTON James has given Swansea City a major vote of confidence ahead of their crunch Second Division clash with Bury tomorrow. (3pm)

The former Swans star, who spent a successful season at Gigg Lane during his playing days, believes John Hollins's side has what it takes to win tomorrow and then stay up.

"If Swansea play as well as they did on Tuesday at Northampton then I am confident they can get a result anywhere," said James.

"They were excellent for 70 minutes that night and they played some of the best football I have seen all season.

"It was an absolute choker when they conceded those two late goals and I felt for John and Alan (Curtis) and the players. I have experienced it myself."

The 54-times capped Welsh international and former Llanelli Town boss is convinced that Swansea's lowly league position is not a fair reflection of their recent performances.

"The team has been playing better than the results are showing. I think they have played quite well in the last six weeks, apart from Notts County when they were dreadful," he said.

"But if they can keep going and perhaps be a bit more ruthless defensively I think they can survive."

James was ever-present in the 1984-85 season for the Shakers, when they won promotion from the old Division Four.

He has fond memories of that season and the club itself, which he describes as being similar to Swansea.

He watched Bury at the Vetch back in September and saw them lose 3-0 at struggling Swindon recently.

"Bury probably put in the best performance seen at the Vetch this season, winning 2-0 at a canter," said James.

"But at Swindon, they were awful and they got thrashed. If they play as badly as that again I have every confidence in Swansea."

Hollins's side are desperate for three points after four consecutive league defeats.

But after watching his side's performance against Northampton, the boss is hopeful there are better things to come.

"I was very pleased with the way we played on Tuesday," said Hollins.

"We moved the ball about well on a nice pitch and the pleasing thing about it was we had something to hold on to for most of the match.

"The Bury pitch is not exactly the best pitch in the world but we will have to adapt. Spain and England still played some decent football on a poor surface so it can be done.

"I thought we did a lot of things right on Tuesday but one thing is we have to get a bit wiser and not give sloppy free-kicks away in dangerous areas.

"If we get a chance to clear the ball it will be done tomorrow."

Swansea welcome back Giovanni Savarese and Stuart Roberts into the squad and will run fitness tests today on Kristian O'Leary and Jason Smith.

Goalkeeper Alec Davies,18, will make his first appearance in the first team squad as cover for Jason Jones.

Jones will deputise for the suspended Roger Freestone.

who misses the game after his sending off against Brentford in the LDV Vans Trophy.

Tomorrow entry for children to any part of Gigg Lane is £1 under Bury's Kids for a Quid promotion.

Nicholas Fabiano, Jason Smith and Kris O'Leary are all in a race to be fit for Swansea's trip to Bury on Saturday.

Of the three, on-loan French midfielder Fabiano stands the best chance of making the starting 11. He is making a good recovery after picking up bruising in Tuesday's defeat at Northampton.

Defenders Smith and O'Leary are currently rated at 60-40 to be fit. Smith has been having intensive treatment on an ankle inury following a reckless challenge by Brentford striker Mark McCammon in the LDV game at the Vetch on Valentine's Day, whilst O'Leary missed the Northampton defeat with a calf inury.

Savarese predicts US boom

Swansea striker Giovanni Savarese is predicting that the popularity of football in America is ready to boom.

He joined the Swans in October from Major League Soccer side San Jose Earthquakes and says: "Soccer in the States is still well behind American football and baseball, but it's now on a par with basketball and ice hockey."

He said that the only disadvantage was a relative lack of press coverage for the game in America, but added that many of the games are shown live on TV there.

"Ten years from now, you'll definitely see a boom in the game over there. It's currently the top sport for children in the States and when they grow up they'll help the game overtake American football and baseball in popularity."

Swansea's Martin Thomas and Nick Cusack have emerged as possible loan targets for Brighton boss Micky Adams.

Adams has consistently rated Thomas, the industrious and skilful midfield player, who began his career at Southampton when Adams was a player there.

Cusack is another at Swansea whom he knows all about, but at 35 he is hardly a long term proposition as Brighton bid to bolster their promotion push to Division Two and of the two, Thomas seems the more likely option.

SWANSEA City central defenders Jason Smith and Kristian O'Leary could return from injury in time to face Bury on Saturday. (3pm)

Swans physio Richard Evans rates the pair's chances of running out at Gigg Lane as 60-40 as they work to recover from knocks picked up in recent games.

Smith, who has been captaining the side, was forced off with an ankle problem after a dreadful challenge by Brentford's Mark McCammon on Valentine's Day.

O'Leary suffered a calf injury during last Saturday's 1-0 defeat by Reading at Vetch Field.

Both players were in fine form before their respective injuries and their return would be a welcome boost for under-pressure Swansea boss John Hollins as he seeks a first League win in 2001.

French loan star Nicolas Fabiano was also receiving treatment yesterday following Tuesday's sickening last minute defeat at Northampton.

The 20-year-old's first strike in British football looked like settling the Sixfields clash before two late Northampton goals left Swansea pointless and shocked.

Despite taking a bang on his left knee, under-21 international Fabiano will be fit for the weekend trip to Lancashire.

Fellow midfielder and long-term casualty Jonathan Coates could soon link up with the Frenchman in Hollins's midfield.

Coates has been out since October with knee ligament trouble, but played for the reserves in last night's goalless draw at Afan Lido. Full-back Steve Jones was also involved.

Hollins needs to have all his players available during the run-in to the end of the season.

After four consecutive league defeats, Swansea are starting to lose touch with their Second Division relegation rivals and must pick up points quickly if they are stay in contention.

They currently lie 23rd in the table with 24 points from 31 games played. There are 15 more league matches before the end of the season.

Looking back at the number of points required to avoid relegation in the division in the last four seasons, Swansea supporters are unlikely to feel any better about the club's present position.

In 1999-2000, as Hollins's side celebrated the Third Division championship, Cardiff City were relegated from Division Two with 44 points. Oxford United just survived with 45.

So judging by last year alone, Swansea must gain 21 points from their remaining fixtures to stay up.

Seven wins would do it, but that is two more than they have managed in the League all season.

In the 1998-1999 campaign, York City dropped into Division Three with 50 points while Oldham Athletic survived with 51.

Brentford too went down with 50 points in 1998, while Burnley sealed the final safe spot with 52.

The year before, 52 points were enough to save York City and send Peterborough down with 47.

Multi-millionaire media tycoon Chris Evans could fulfil his ambition of buying a football club by snapping up Swansea City, it has emerged.

An agent for the DJ and TV star has approached the club in an effort to sound out prospects for a sale. The ``for sale'' sign was put up over the struggling second division south Wales club by its owners, windscreen replacement company Ninth Floor, last month.

The move followed rising criticism from fans who claimed too little cash was being spent to attract the talent necessary to ensure success. Evans, 35, is known to have been interested in buying first division stragglers QPR, but Swansea City would represent a far cheaper option.

Club chairman Neil McClure confirmed today that an agent for Evans contacted the club's Vetch Field headquarters on behalf of the wealthy DJ.

``I have received a telephone call from somebody called Danny Murphy, who is a representative of Chris Evans, saying Chris was interested in Swansea City,'' said Mr McClure today. ``He said, however, that he was currently looking at a first division club and if that deal fell through he would be taking a closer look at Swansea City.''

Swansea City started the season with high hopes after clinching division two promotion at the same time arch-rivals, Cardiff City, were demoted into the third division.

Cardiff City was itself taken over by millionaire businessman Sam Hammam last year, who has since transformed the club's prospects by buying in new talent.

A spokesman for Chris Evans was unavailable for comment.

SWANSEA CITY chairman Neil McClure has told media tycoon Chris Evans "to snap up a bargain" and buy his Swans.

McClure's London-based company, Ninth Floor plc, put the relegation-haunted Vetch club on the market last month. And Evans, thought to be interested in a £3m buyout, as revealed in The Western Mail yesterday, is currently examining the books of First Division QPR too.

McClure last night confirmed an approach from the Warrington-born broadcaster, who is thought to be multi-millionaire. He said, "I spoke with Danny Murphy a few days ago and he told me that he was representing Chris Evans and that he wanted details of the sale.

"I have since spoken to him again and he informed me Chris was also looking at the possibility of purchasing QPR and Millwall. "I was told that if these deals collapsed or if there was a blip, he would be back straight away."

McClure insists that Swansea represents a far superior buy than Chris Wright's fallen giants QPR. He said, "I would suggest to Mr Evans that the potential of Swansea City FC is frightening - particularly since our new home at the Morfa has been confirmed.

"There is a massive catchment area down here from a population of 250,000 and, if the club can find success, the 25,000 all-seater stadium at Morfa could be easily filled.

"Also, with luck, the club could have a possible entry to the Uefa Cup via Welsh Cup qualification soon." McClure's company Silver Shield - now Ninth Floor - purchased the Swans from Doug Sharpe for around £1.4m four years ago. Since, the Vetch side enjoyed a swashbuckling FA Cup run and clinched a first championship for 51 years at Rotherham last May.

They are languishing in the Second Division basement this term, but McClure says that the Swans are on a good financial footing - despite rumoured losses of £25,000 per week.

He said, "I believe my company has laid the foundations for a successful future for Swansea City Football Club - even if fate decides we are relegated this season.

"I would urge Chris Evans or any other would-be purchaser, to step forward sooner rather than later - otherwise a golden chance could be lost. "We are handing over a club which is certainly in good shape. I am disappointed the Ninth Floor board are altering their future investment strategy.

"If they hadn't done so, I would be happy to see a job through at Swansea, because I'm convinced there are some exiting times ahead for the club."

McClure feels extrovert Evans should consult Cardiff City owner Sam Hammam to ascertain the massive potential of soccer in South Wales.

He said, "Sam has started something at Ninian Park, he's certainly proving the impact football can have in the area."

SWANSEA City skipper Nick Cusack will tell his team-mates in no uncertain terms where to put the ball if they are 1-0 up on Saturday at Bury.

Cusack left Northampton's Sixfields Stadium last night a devastated man after seeing his side out play the Cobblers for long periods but once again come away with nothing following two goals in the last minute from the home side.

Nicolas Fabiano had given Swansea a deserved first-half lead on his full league debut as Swansea produced one of their best performances of the season.

But Cusack says some players need to get a little bit streetwise after watching the last-minute goals go in.

"There was desolation in the dressing room after that because we deserved to win," said a heartbroken Cusack."We did what we came to do and should have come away with all three points. That is why I feel so devastated now.

"Sometimes you do things right for 90 per cent of the game but it's that 10 per cent which let's you down.

"At 1-1 with 30 seconds to go we should have been blasting the ball into the corners but some of the younger boys tried to play football and we got caught.

"If we get in that position at Bury on Saturday I shall be telling them to do that and if it isn't done I will be wanting to know why."

Cusack was proud of the way his team-mates played for most of the night and was confident that playing the same way would bring them the much-needed points.

"If we can take that performance into Saturday then we will get the win," he said.

"I know people will say it's the same old story but it's the truth. But we have to show some discipline. With 30 seconds to go or when you are 1-0 up that's when the ball should go in the stands or in the corners.

"I know the boys want to play football but we have to do it at the right times."

Cusack said he could not emphasise enough how well all the players performed at Northampton but realised how tough it would be to raise them again for the Bury trip.

"I am the skipper and it will be up to me to get the players ready for the match," he said.

"With 15 games to go a win here was crucial. We should have picked up the points here but hopefully the run will start Saturday.

"One thing I will make sure of is that the ball is put in the stands if we are winning with seconds to go!"

Manager John Hollins said it would not be difficult to pick his players up despite the heartbreak of the last-minute defeat.

"No it won't be difficult at all," he said. "I thought that was the best we played for quite a while tonight. The way we went about it was what pleased me most but call it luck or what you like they came back and got the goals.

"The players will grow in confidence if they continue to play like that and work like that.

"Having done what we did today in the way we played I feel a lot happier about the challenge we have got ahead of us plus we will have players like Stuart Roberts, Jason Smith, Jonathan Coates, Giovanni Savarese and Steve Jones coming back into contention."

FOUR years ago Northampton shattered Swansea City's dreams of promotion with a last-minute goal in the play-off final at Wembley.

Last night, with that man John Frain involved once more, the Cobblers put another nail in Swansea's Second Division coffin with two late, late goals on a bitterly cold night at Sixfields Stadium.

Frain, who scored the last-minute free-kick to gain promotion at Wembley, saw his 89th-minute dead-ball effort deflected home off the head of Ian Sampson, and Marco Gabbiadini volleyed home less than a minute later to leave the Vetch Field players, who had worked their socks off for 90 minutes, absolutely devastated.

It will be hard to get their heads up for another tough trip to Bury on Saturday and Stoke next Wednesday.

Call it luck, call it fate or whatever, Swansea did not deserve this massive kick in the teeth, and now even the most optimistic fan must be thinking this is not going to be their year.

Swansea deserved the three points for their first-half performance alone.

They went into the crucial match without the likes of Jason Smith (injured), Kristian O'Leary (injured), Stuart Roberts (suspended) and Giovanni Savarese who was missing after his wife gave birth prematurely last week.

But out of adversity sometimes players find that little bit extra.

Club skipper Nick Cusack came back in for his first start since the Wigan game at the JJB Stadium on January 6 and Frenchman Nicolas Fabiano made his first full debut to link up with fellow countrymen David Romo and Matthias Verschave.

And it was the French Connection which controlled the game for Swansea in the first half.

Northampton had the first chance after only two minutes when the lively Jamie Forrester fired over Roger Freestone's crossbar.

But from then on the Three Musketeers took over and linked up with the rest of the side to produce probably the best performance since the win over Stoke at Vetch Field in October.

Manager John Hollins played with three at the back and a five-man midfield, switching Romo to the right and allowing Fabiano the freedom to roam about across the midfield and join Verschave and Steve Watkin as Swansea moved forward.

It was a perfect pitch for one and two-touch football and the visitors took advantage of it and dominated after that early Forrester miss.

Lee Jenkins shot over the bar after cutting in from the left on nine minutes and three minutes later the three Frenchmen combined before Romo's pass found Verschave, who shot home, only to be denied by the offside flag.

Fabiano was showing some exquisite touches and gave Jim Whitley a torrid time in his first game on loan from Manchester City.

His dummies, little flicks and pace were a delight to see and anyone watching Swansea for the first time this season would have wondered how they are in 23rd position.

Verschave shot over on 29 minutes after more good work from Fabiano, and Watkin went agonisingly close six minutes later when his deflected 25-yard shot spun just wide with Keith Welch stranded in the Northampton goal.

There have been times this season when despite dominating, Swansea failed to score while on top.

Last night they changed that by taking the lead on 38 minutes. Once again the French stars were heavily involved.

Skipper Cusack found Romo unmarked and he freed Verschave down the right. The striker's cross was not cleared and the ball fell to Fabiano who fired home from 10 yards.

It was no more than Swansea deserved and capped a super first-half performance from the 20-year-old France Under-21 star.

Northampton had not been in the game and did not force Freestone into a save, although Forrester went close with a header and Richard Hope shot wide.

It was one of those matches when Hollins would not have wanted the half to end as Swansea were so much on top.

Northampton could not play so badly in the second half and the players probably got a dressing down at half-time from boss Kevin Wilson as they trooped off to boos.

Swansea were 45 minutes away from their first win since Boxing Day and only their sixth league victory of the season.

Their confidence seemed to be growing and a superb flowing move, involving the French trio once more, almost brought a second goal five minutes after the break.

Damian Lacey broke, found Fabiano in space before Verschave took over. His pass found Romo whose shot was superbly saved by Welch.

If it had gone in then who knows what might have happened? But this season has been all about ifs.

Northampton reacted in a positive fashion. They began to attack in waves, with Frain shooting just wide on 54 minutes.

But it was the introduction of John Hodge which swung the game towards the home side. The former Swansea winger began to cause problems down the right as Wilson changed his formation.

It forced Hollins to switch to a back four, although that seemed a somewhat strange decision considering the success of the formation before the break.

The changes invited Northampton forward and they needed no second invitation. Hodge shot just over on 70 minutes and there were a few other scares as the ball flew just wide after richochets as the Cobblers piled forward.

Swansea had half-chances to steal a second but they were guilty of giving the ball away and the defence was not able to regroup and take a rest, with Watkin, especially, failing to keep hold of the ball.

It seemed it would be only a matter of time before Northampton equalised, but just as it looked as if Swansea had survived they were given the biggest kick in the teeth so far after a season of disappointments and last-minute goals.

Frain's free kick was whipped in left-footed with a minute remaining and Sampson just got there first to somehow nod the ball home.

That was unlucky, but worse was to follow. Instead of settling for a point and putting the ball upfield, some Swansea players tried to continue playing football and gave the ball away.

A cross from the left found Gabbiadini at the far post to volley home.

It was one of the most amazing turnarounds and left the Swansea players in a daze.

One thing they will do if they are 1-0 up or drawing against Bury is pump the ball into row Z or beyond. Skipper Nick Cusack will make sure of that.

MEDIA multi-millionaire Chris Evans is in talks to buy Swansea City.

A spokesman for Ninth Floor plc, the company that owns the Third Division club, confirmed yesterday that Evans’s agent Danny Murphy had approached Swansea chairman Neil McClure about the sale of the club.

Ninth Floor put the relegation threatened Swans on the market earlier this month after announcing that the company had taken the club as far as it could.

Company spokesman Matthew Gunther-Bushell said, “Neil telephoned Danny Murphy back and we were told that while Chris Evans had been involved in negotiations over the sale of Division One club Queens Park Rangers he was also very interested in looking at Swansea.”

The club said it would welcome further talks with Evans. It is under-stood that the sale of QPR has run into problems.

A spokeswoman for Evans at Virgin Radio said, “He does not often give interviews but I know he likes Wales and is interested in buying a club. He has expressed an interest in QPR but is prepared to look else-where.”

Evans is believed to have become aware of the potential deal having read about the speculation over the sale of Swansea City when he watched the Wales versus England rugby international.

The Warrington-born Virgin Radio breakfast presenter, a soccer lover who also likes rugby union and league, talked on air of wanting to visit the £126m Cardiff stadium followed by a “night on the beer” in the Welsh capital.

On the Monday following the England game Ninth Floor officially announced that Swansea City was up for sale.

Football finance expert Oliver Postgate said Swansea City was a good buy, having a strong fan base for a club in a relatively lowly position and having been run as a business by Ninth Floor.

He said even though the club was currently struggling at the foot of the Second Division, it is not saddled by huge debts.

It also has a highly-respected manager in former Chelsea and England midfielder John Hollins and a crop of good young players.

Evans, 35, has few links with Wales but is known to have spent time in the Gower peninsula on holiday. He is also a close friend of Vinnie Jones, the ex-Wimbledon and Wales player, and is friendly with Swansea-born Coventry City striker John Hartson.

The news that Evans, who sold his stake in Ginger media production company to the Scottish Media Group last year for £125m, was welcomed by Swansea City supporters.

David Morgan, of the Independent Travelling Swans supporters’ organisation, added, “I doubt that Chris Evans would spend all his money on Swansea. But if he plans to splash out a bit of his money that would be good enough for most supporters.

“Sam Hammam does not have many links with Cardiff but he’s doing a good job there.

“Chris Evans is obviously mega-rich and it could only be a good thing if wants to run Swansea. I just hope it’s not one of his publicity stunts.”

THE SWANS slipped nearer Second Division oblivion as a couple of late Northampton goals sent them spinning at bitterly cold Sixfields.

Nicholas Fabiano’s first goal in British soccer seven minutes from the break appeared to have handed John Hollins’s men their opening league win of the year until Ian Sampson and Marco Gabbiadini fatefully struck.

Destroyer Sampson levelled after 88 minutes and ex-Sunderland star Gabbiadini added the killer 60 seconds later to propel sad Swansea into further relegation turmoil.

The Swans had suffered a blow before kick off when 14-goal Giovanni Savarese was surprisingly withdrawn for “domestic reasons”.

But in came Nick Cusack as skipper and Matthais Verschave and there was also a first start for his Paris St Germain team-mate Fabiano.

The experienced Cusack was beginning a Lleague match for the first time since January 6 but the Cobblers were swamping his midfield section in the opening exchanges.

And they produced a telling raid after just three minutes. James Hunt brushed past Damian Lacey but Jamie Forrester’s angled drive sailed over from around 20 yards.

Swansea were seeking only a second league maximum in 21 games but were playing with some spirited aggression and Steve Watkin formed a potent force with the Frenchman Verschave and Fabiano in attack.

And on 10 minutes they were threatening. Welsh Under-21 international Lee Jenkins skipped inside Jim Whitley on the left and had Northampton goalkeeper Keith Welch retreating with his right-foot chip.

Swansea were looking firm in defence as Kevin Wilson’s team sought that early breakthrough.

The darting Forrester rounded Jason Price deep in the box but David Romo halted his charge with a determined tackle.

This was a powder-keg clash waiting to dynamite and there was a six man fracas on 22 minutes as Lacey and John Frain clashed in an unsightly incident - Tring official Graham Poll booking both men.

But slick Swansea were piecing together a flurry of penetrating raids.

Their three Frenchmen - Verschave, Fabiano and Romo - were oozing class and the Cobblers were being pinned back as the trio made inroads.

Verschave drove over and Northampton stopper Welch thwarted Cusack and Romo in quick succession but Swansea made the breakthrough after 38 minutes.

The French connection clicked as Verschave sparked the move, Romo angled in and Fabiano’s finish was emphatic from 12 yards.

But it was a different tale in the second half as the tide dramatically changed.

The Swansea goal was under siege for long periods and their cause wasn’t helped as both Watkin and Verschave failed to kill time by retaining the ball.

Forrester, Frain and substitute John Hodge all went close before disaster struck the Swans with vengeance in those last fateful couple of minutes.

It was a real choker as Sampson touched home the leveller after 88 minutes and just moments later the nightmare heightened as Gabbiadini hooked in the winner.

NICK Cusack still believes that like last season, it will be all smiles at Vetch Field come Swansea City's final home game of this campaign.

But if the Swans' fans are celebrating following the visit of Cambridge United on May 5, it will be for entirely different reasons.

Last season, midfield mainstay Cusack led by example with seven goals and captained John Hollins's side to the Third Division Championship.

This year, Cusack has been in and out of the side and scored just once — in the 4-0 win over Luton last September — and has seen the Swans struggle to 23rd place in the Second Division table.

Now, the 35-year-old club skipper is very keen to force his way back into Hollins's starting 11 to throw his weight behind the survival cause.

"I am desperate to get back to playing regularly and having an influence on games after spending so much time on the bench recently," said Cusack.

"I am still very positive despite what has, to be honest, been an appalling stretch of form."

Swansea have just one win in their last 20 league games, and none in 2001.

"Obviously, looking at the table, a lot of people are going to say we are doomed," said the Birmingham Polytechnic graduate.

"And although it's a tall order now, the mood in the camp is certainly not one of despondency.

"We know we have not performed like we should have done this season and there's a lot more to come from us.

"I think we need to be more aggressive, get more tackles in and win more possession, and that's what I have told the rest of the players.

"We also need to make more of our free-kicks and corners because they have been very disappointing in the last few games."

In fact, the former Leicester, Fulham and Motherwell man was disappointed with a great deal about Swansea's last three games.

"We had a crunch game at Luton where we needed to take something but unfortunately they comprehensively beat us in the end," he said.

"Then in the home games against Notts County and Reading we were lacklustre and didn't deserve to get anything really.

"The problem has been that instead of cutting out the schoolboy errors in defence after Luton, we have stopped creating."

Cusack has called on his players to start winning points now to drag Swansea up the table and towards safety.

If they can survive, Cusack will be spraying champagne all over the Vetch faithful once again come late spring.

SWANSEA City club captain Nick Cusack has issued a rallying call to his team-mates ahead of tonight's vital Division Two clash with Northampton Town. (7.45)

The 35-year-old midfielder set a minimum target of six points from Swansea's trip to Sixfields and the next two games, away at Bury and Stoke.

"We have to start picking up points now, beginning tonight. We cannot afford to wait until the end of the season," said Cusack.

"We are fighting for our lives and as far as we are concerned every game now is huge."

And after two consecutive league defeats at home, Cusack suggested that three matches away from home could turn out to be just what John Hollins's men needed.

"Maybe in a way it will help us to be on our travels as we have struggled at home," said Cusack, who came on as a substitute against Notts County and Reading.

"The state of the pitch at the Vetch at the moment is not good and it is difficult to play any decent football.

"It has certainly cost us a little at home so hopefully tonight we will be playing on a good surface and we can get the right result."

Cusack, a stand-in striker or defender at times this season, highlighted the pace of French loan star Matthias Verschave as a potential thorn in Northampton's side.

"Matthias can do some damage but it is up to the rest of the team to supply the front players," he said.

"From now on in, we have got to start creating more and putting teams under more pressure, as they are doing to us."

Tickets for Swansea's potential relegation decider against Bristol Rovers at the Memorial Ground on April 7 will go on sale at Vetch Field on Monday.

The Swans have been allocated 1,132 tickets and priority will be given to season ticket holders. If any are left over, they will go on general sale on March 2.

EMBATTLED manager John Hollins has more selection worries before the first of three successive away matches, at Northampton tonight, that will make or break Swansea City’s Second Division season.

Dashing winger Stuart Roberts is suspended and key defender Kris O’Leary extremely doubtful with a calf injury.

With Jason Smith still ruled out by injury, club captain Nick Cusack may be recalled at centre-back to partner Mathew Bound.

Jamaican international striker Walter Boyd and midfielders Martin Thomas and Michael Keegan have been added to the squad.

And 19-year-old midfielder Nicolas Fabiano is standing by to make his full debut on loan from French club Paris Saint-Germain.

An 18-man squad will travel to the Sixfields Stadium as the Swans strive to avoid a fourth straight defeat.

Hollins is poised to reshape his side, admitting, “the way I’ve been looking at things hasn’t been working.”

On Saturday, he introduced novice substitutes Gareth Phillips and Bari Morgan in a vain attempt to overturn Reading’s one-goal lead.

At Northampton he must choose between youth or experienced professionals like Cusack, Thomas and Boyd.

“It’s a matter of finding the right blend of youth and experience,” said Hollins.

Although he won’t divulge his starting line-up until 30 minutes before the kick-off, he hinted he might change his strategy to improve a dismal one-win-in-20-games sequence.

But he added, “It’s not about systems. It’s how you perform on the pitch that matters.

“We face a massive task to stay up and we’ll have to be strong.

“We have a major battle on our hands and need people who are going to fight for the cause.

“We have to make things happen. One win could prove all important, leading to a change in the whole picture as it has for other clubs.”

Hollins believes several factors have contributed to the alarming degeneration of last season’s championship-winning side.

“Due to injuries, illness and suspensions we haven’t had a settled side, especially the defence which kept 22 clean sheets last season.

“We have played without regulars like Steve Jones, Jonathan Coates, Michael Howard and Jason Smith.

“We’ve been unfortunate with key decisions going against us.

JOHN Hollins admitted Swansea City now face a tough test to stay in the Second Division after they slumped to a second home defeat in a week.

Reading striker Jamie Cureton's first-half goal settled the match and left Hollins's side eight points behind Swindon Town, who occupy the final safe spot.

"We have got a massive task ahead of us. Things aren't working for us at the moment and I will have to start looking to do as much as I can to stop that," said the Swansea boss.

"We did not play well. Everyone is waiting for something to happen, but someone has to make it happen."

Hollins, who described the Royals as a top side, defended the second- half introduction of youngsters Bari Morgan and Gareth Phillips in place of David Romo and Steve Watkin.

"It got a slight reaction from the crowd, but it could have been anyone we had taken off," explained Hollins.

"We have got a battle on our hands and we need people who will fight the cause.

"The fans turn on you quickly if a mistake is made, but that is like supporters all over the place. We need them to keep supporting."

Hollins accepted that trips to Northampton and Bury this week would be tough, but backed a properly-functioning Swansea to pick up some much-needed points.

"We have to go away twice and they will be two similar teams to Reading and Notts County," he said.

"If the players apply themselves in the correct way I think we have the quality.

"When you are at the top nobody gives you advice, but when you are at the bottom everyone wants to give you advice," added Hollins.

Swansea City 0 Reading 1

SWANSEA'S relegation fate will be effectively sealed within the next nine days barring a dramatic transformation. A one-win-in-20-matches run has left them eight points adrift of a safety place.

They must pick up points at Northampton tomorrow, at Bury on Saturday and at Stoke on Wednesday week. It seems an impossible task for a side with only two wins and nine points from 15 away games.

Quite simply, the squad which swept the Swans to the Third Division championship last season hasn't been strong enough to compete at the higher level.

Manager John Hollins worked wonders to reach the play-offs in his first season and win the league in his second with virtually no money. The only purchase was striker Tommy Mutton from Bangor City for £20,000.

Promotion was built on their ability to keep 22 clean sheets and secure narrow victories. But it was obvious the squad would need strengthening.

With virtually no money available, rather than sign rejects from other league clubs Hollins decided to recruit from abroad, with limited reward.

Venezuelan international Giovanni Savarese has proved a resounding success, scoring 12 of the team's 30 league goals. But midfielder David Romo has been inconsistent, while fellow Frenchmen Matthias Verschave and Nicolas Fabiano have yet to make an impact since arriving on loan from Paris St Germain.

And what of Walter Boyd?

Little has been seen of the Jamaican international who played such an important part last season. Arriving two months into the season, Boyd finished joint top scorer with Nick Cusack. This season, though, he has made only nine league starts and two substitute appearances.

Captain Cusack hasn't made the starting line-up for the last seven games. Midfielder Martin Thomas has been in and out of the side.

Hollins admitted after Saturday's fifth defeat in six games that he might have erred in some of his team selections. "The way I have been looking at, things aren't working," he said.

"When you are at the top nobody gives you advice. When you are at the bottom everybody wants to give you advice. "I respect the people who give it and I take their advice. But it's my job to get things sorted out and that's what I plan to do."

The Swans again could not be faulted for effort - but it wasn't enough against a good promotion-challenging Reading side.

Midfield deficiencies restricted the supply to recalled Steve Watkin and Savarese, who dearly wanted to add to his tally 24 hours after wife Michelle presented him with a baby daughter.

Savarese spurned his only chance on the half-hour, firing over from 12 yards. Unforced errors and poor distribution helped the Royals seize the first-half initiative.

Matthew Bound did well to make a ninth-minute goal-line clearance from Darren Caskey after Jason Price had given the ball away.

But the Swansea captain was unable to intercept a cross from the left by Jimmy McIntyre, allowing the unmarked Jamie Cureton to steal in at the far post to volley a 42nd-minute goal.

But there might have been a different outcome had referee Steve Dunn given a 15th-minute penalty for a blatant foul by Adi Viveash on Savarese.

If it wasn't a penalty why didn't the Bristol official caution the South American for taking a dive?

Within a minute of centre-back Kris O'Leary limping off with an injury that makes him doubtful for tomorrow's match, Damien Lacey was desperately unlucky not to salvage a precious point.

He lifted a left-footer over Phil Whitehead from 20 yards but the ball rebounded off the crossbar.

JOHN HOLLINS believes his Swansea City players face a test of character to avoid a swift return to the Third Division.

Asked after Saturday’s 1-0 home defeat by Reading whether he felt his side could still avoid the big drop, the Swans manager said, “Well, yes, if the players apply themselves in the correct way.

“But we face a massive task because we now have successive away games against Northampton, Bury and Stoke.

“We’ll have to be strong. We have to make it happen. We have a major battle on our hands and we need people who are going to fight for the cause.

“We’ve talked in the dressing room long enough. We did it on Tuesday (after the home defeat by Notts County) and again after Saturday’s game.

“Reading are a top side and a goal was enough for them. We gave it away because their midfield player reacted quicker than anyone else.

“I thought we should have had a penalty and spoke to the referee (Steve Dunn of Bristol) about it after the game. He didn’t think it was a penalty.

“ There are still 16 games to play and we need everyone pulling together.

“Fans can turn quickly against their team if a bad mistake is made. That’s the same with supporters all over the place, and I can understand our fans’ frustration.

“But I would like them to keep supporting the team and providing encouragement.

“The games we have left are huge. It’s my job to get things sorted out and that’s what I plan to do.”

Reading manager Alan Pardew felt that Swansea’s cause wasn’t helped by the poor condition of their Vetch Field pitch, on which they have won only once since last October.

“I think any team will struggle on that pitch. Swansea try to play a passing game, but that’s difficult on such a surface,” he said.

Jamie Cureton got the only goal of the game to keep Reading's promotion hopes alive and leave Swansea in trouble.

Winger McIntyre provided the cross for Cureton to fire home the winner with time running out in the first half.

Swansea never looked likely breaking down a strong Reading defence marshalled expertly by Viveash and Murty.

The hosts' best chance came when Lacey saw a powerful 25-yard effort beat Whitehead, only to bounce off the bar.