SWANSEA CITY must take a leaf from Wrexham’s book against Northampton Town at the Vetch Field today to preserve slim hopes of escaping relegation, writes Karl Woodward. The Robins gained back-to-back wins for the first time this season by beating the Cobblers 3-0 at the Race-course nine days ago, then went on to beat Oxford in mid-week.

The Swans need a similar run of success to close the nine-point gap between themselves and the nearest safety place.

Wednesday night’s excellent victory at Stoke gave the players, manager and fans a lift.

But the Swans, who trained on the beach yesterday, will have to sustain that form to build on only their second win in 23 Second Division games.

Swansea will be without Jason Smith, one of three centre-backs used at the Britannia Stadium

Their captain has an ankle injury and there are fitness worries over defensive partner Kris O’Leary and striker Steve Waktin.

“Kris and Steve did a bit of light training today and will have another work-out in the morning to test their fitness,” manager John Hollins said yesterday.

“Hopefully they’ll be okay. If not we have one or two other options.”

Leading scorer Giovanni Savarese is again ruled out on doctor’s orders after being concussed in last Saturday’s game at Bury but fit-again Jamaica international striker Walter Boyd has been restored to the squad.

French midfielder Nicolas Fabiano is poised to make his full home league debut on loan from Paris St Germain having impressed against Stoke.

The Swans are seeking swift revenge against Northampton by whom they were unlucky to be beaten by two late goals at Sixfields Stadium last month after playing well.

“The victory at Stoke was a big confidence booster,” added Hollins.

“The blend from the back, through midfield to the front was just about right.

“It was a good all-round team performance. We worked really hard to pressurise people into making mistakes.

“We need another victory to carry on the good work at Stoke.”

Northampton, who did Swansea a favour by beating fellow strugglers Bristol Rovers in midweek, recall Chris Hargreaves to the squad for the first time since mid-February when he suffered a groin strain.

And Richard Green is available after serving a one-match suspension.

“Swansea will be lifted by their win at Stoke,” said Cobblers manager Kevin Wilson.

“They did themselves a favour but I think it’s going to be very difficult for them to get out of the position they are in.

“I have a lot of respect for John Hollins but we have to worry about what we are doing, try to complete a winning double and put ourselves back into contention for the play-offs.”

SWANSEA City will be looking to avenge the heartbreak of the 2-1 defeat at Sixfields as they look to continue their Second Division revival at home to Northampton tomorrow.

Ten days ago the Cobblers scored two goals in a minute to leave boss John Hollins wondering what else could go wrong in a season of disappointments.

But after Wednesday's win at play-off seeking Stoke things might be changing down at the Vetch.

Goals from Jason Price and Kristian O'Leary gave Swansea a much-needed win — their first in six league games — to move them closer to safety.

They are still nine points off Swindon in the last safe position so three points are crucial tomorrow.

Hollins was pleased with the performance against Stoke but knows it has to continue tomorrow.

"It will be tough," he said.

"But we've shown we can more than match Northampton.

"Hopefully we'll have a big crowd and I'll be looking for the same again.

"That's what I'll be telling my players, they are the only ones who can do it."

The boss will have to take on Northampton without the injured Jason Smith.

Smith, who was carried off on a stretcher against Stoke, is set to be out for a month after spraining ligaments in his ankle.

O'Leary and striker Steve Watkin also picked up knocks at the Britannia Stadium but Hollins is confident both will be OK for tomorrow.

There was better news on the injury front with long-term injury victim Jonathan Coates coming through 90 minutes in midweek for the reserves.

Swansea: (from) Freestone, Howard, Price, Bound, O'Leary, Fabiano, Romo, Cusack, Todd, Watkin, Verschave, Jenkins, Roberts, Thomas, Morgan, Boyd, Keegan, Jones, Phillips.

SWANSEA CITY’S future is secure despite the club being up for sale and threatened by relegation.

Managing director Mike Lewis gave the assurance to almost 400 Swans supporters at the annual dinner organised by the executive fund-raising committee.

Owners Ninth Floor plc are trying to sell the club. Chairman Neil Mc-Clure is talking to interested parties.

And, at the Brangwyn Hall function, Lewis stressed the club would be alive and kicking when the takeover was complete.

“Results have gone against us, but it is not all doom and gloom,” he said.

“Don’t despair. Have faith. We may yet avoid the big drop. Nobody at the club is waving the white flag.

“It won’t be the end of the world if we do go down. Cardiff City suffered that fate last year and what a good season they are having.

“We’ll bounce back and manager John Hollins will be here to see the job through.

“The large turn-out for the dinner reflects the backing we have from the local business community.

“With that kind of solid support, Swansea City will not go out of business. People care too much to allow that to happen. They want to see the future of the club secure.”

McClure, who did not attend the dinner, has alienated fans by admitting his allegiance to Arsenal and Norwich City.

But Lewis pointed to the immense investment by McClure’s companies Silver Shield and now Ninth Floor - “£4.5m has been poured in - the biggest sponsors the club has ever had.”

Promotions’ manager Phil Chant is leaving the club soon, revealed Lewis. But his departure had nothing to do with the club being in limbo pending new owners.

“Phil has been with me at various clubs, Reading, Fulham and Swansea since 1984.

“He’s raised a six-figure sum for the club this year and is probably the best promotions’ operator in the lower divisions.

“Phil will be a hard act to follow. I tried my utmost to persuade him to stay.

“But he has decided to join the Welsh Air Ambulance Service in the same capacity to put something back in repayment for the help he received when he had medical problems.”

Unfortunately, neither manager Hollins nor any of his players could attend the dinner, inadvertently arranged to coincide with Swansea’s Second Division match, for which the date was set before the start of the season, at Stoke City.

News that the Swans had won produced the biggest cheer of the night.

SWANSEA CITY may operate with three central defenders again against Northampton at the Vetch tomorrow.

Manager John Hollins used Jason Smith, Kris O’Leary and Mathew Bound at the heart of defence against Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium on Wednesday night.

It allowed Jason Price and Michael Howard greater licence to get forward as wing-backs.

The tactical change helped bottom-but-one Swans gain only their second win in 23 league games.

“The blend from back, through midfield to the front was just about right,” said Hollins.

“We learned from last month’s match at Northampton when we lost despite playing well.

“Against Stoke, we worked really hard to pressurise people into making mistakes.

“It was a good all-round team performance. But whatever system you use, you still have to score the goals.

“Beating a good side like Stoke, who are sixth in the table, is obviously a confidence-booster.

“We now have to build on that victory by turning the tables on Northampton. There are still 39 points to play for and I believe me we are ready for action.”

Hollins will have to revise his team plans, though, because Smith is ruled out after sustaining another injury to the same ankle at Stoke.

Leading scorer Giovanni Savarese is sidelined on doctor’s orders after being concussed in last Saturday’s match at Bury.

O’Leary and striker Steve Watkin, will have late fitness tests. Both are receiving treatment for thigh injuries.

Swansea’s first league victory of the year has brought a glimmer of hope that they may avoid relegation.

But they are still nine points adrift of the nearest safety spot, needing to put together a successful run.

A RELIEVED John Hollins praised his Swansea City players after they held on for a shock 2-1 victory over Second Division promotion hopefuls Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium.

But a great night was marred by an injury to key central defender Jason Smith, who has a sprained ankle. He was stretchered off with his leg heavily strapped.

First-half goals from Jason Price and Kristian O'Leary were enough to give Swansea their first League win since Boxing Day, with James O'Connor's late reply merely a consolation.

"I thought defensively that was the best we have ever done, from the captain Nick Cusack, from Roger Freestone, from everybody. Right throughout they were excellent," said Hollins.

"We have taken some massive kicks in the teeth this season and I had a feeling that something would happen last night after their goal. But for once things have turned around for us and we got the win I have wanted."

Despite stunning Stoke in front of 10,091 home supporters, the Swansea boss refused to get carried away with the result.

"It's not a bad place to come and get a victory, but it is only one win," he said.

"It is what we do with the next game against Northampton, which now looks quite a good prospect.

"Some people said we were dead and buried, but I don't think so. This could be the turning point."

As well as Smith, Steve Watkin and centre backs Kristian O'Leary also took knocks.

Of the Smith injury, Hollins said: "It's a shame we have lost Jason, though it was not a bad tackle.

"His left ankle is sprained, not broken so we will have to see how long he will be out for.

"Steve came off with a thigh problem and Kris got battered at the end, but that's defending. They must be defending properly if they get battered."

Swansea secured their first League win in ten games beating Stoke 2-1 thanks to first half strikes from Jason Price and Kris O'Leary.
The Swans hung on for three vital points and condemn Stoke to their second home defeat in five days as they ended their own run of five straight defeats.
The visitors raced into a two-goal lead before half time with Price netting a deserved opener in the 17th minute.
He showed great composure in the box to bring down a high cross from Nicolas Fabiano and then steadied himself to slot left-footed effort past Birkir Kristinsson in the home goal.
Fabiano was again involved in the Swans' second goal as his left-wing corner wasn't cleared by the Stoke defence and the ball fell to Kris O'Leary on the edge of the box and he fired a low shot into the far corner to give the visitors a deserved two-goal cushion.
Rikhardur Dadason twice came close for the home side, with headers from Graham Kavanagh corners in the 9th and 38th minute, but he saw both efforts sail over the bar.
The Swans should have increased their lead in the 75th minute as on-loan Frenchman Matthius Verschave latched on to a ball over the top of the Stoke defence only to be foiled by a good save from Kristinsson low down to his left.
James O'Connor gave the home side a glimmer of hope in the 81st minute with a goal that proved to be nothing more than a consolation. Henrik Risom fed Bjarni Gudjonsson on the right wing and his cross was met with a glancing header from the Irishman into the far corner from 12 yards.
Despite tonight's win the Swans are still seven points behind Luton and eleven points adrift of safety. However, if John Hollins' men can produce performances like the one at the Brittannia Stadium tonight then they could have a fighting chance of survival.

Stoke City...1

O'Connor 81

Swansea City...2

Price (18), O'Leary (31)

SINCE Swansea City's last league win on Boxing Day, manager John Hollins has said time and again that one victory would spark their Second Division survival campaign.

Now, finally, after so many disappointments, that win has come, and hopefully so will the fightback.

This was an incredible game.

Hollins's side stunned promotion hopefuls Stoke City with two first-half goals and then defended their lead magnificently to complete their first double of the season.

And how Swansea need these three points.

Other than the Christmas win over Walsall, the 2-1 defeat of Stoke at Vetch Field back on October 14 was their last league success.

They travelled to the Potteries on the back of five consecutive Second Division defeats, while Stoke had not lost a league game at home since December 2.

The bookies' odds of 8-1 for a Swansea win did not seem generous.

Stoke, currently sixth in the table, were by no means at their best.

They looked slow, their passing was poor and they did not create enough chances.

But full credit to Swansea, the division's lowest scorers before the game.

They grabbed two goals, and with Jason Smith, Kristian O'Leary and Matthew Bound all at the back in a 5-3-2 formation, they managed to hold on with determined defiance.

In front of 10,000 roaring home fans, Swansea began the game confidently, but the signs were not good when Rikki Dadason headed just over from a corner in the ninth minute.

Stoke had begun to dominate proceedings when Swansea broke away and the atmosphere in the impressive Britannia Stadium changed.

Frenchman Nicolas Fabiano, who had a fine match, sent a deep cross to Jason Price from the left touchline.

The Swans wingback collected the ball in the penalty area, cut inside on-loan Liverpool defender Frode Kippe and coolly slotted home past Stoke keeper Birkir Kristiansson.

If the handful of travelling Swans supporters were surprised then, they were in dreamland just after the half-hour.

A Fabiano corner led to a scramble in the Stoke box and the ball eventually fell to O'Leary on the edge of the D.

The 23-year-old duly drove low into the bottom right-hand corner for his first league goal of the season.

Before former Iceland international manager Gudjon Thordarson's side had left the field to a chorus of boos at the break, Swansea could have been 3-0 up.

Steve Watkin, in for injured top-scorer Giovanni Savarese, fed Fabiano who again found Price.

But this time he blazed wide of Kristiansson's goal from 18 yards, while Frenchman Matthias Verschave also wasted a good opportunity to seal the points for Swansea before the half-time whistle.

Stoke's Irish international Graham Kavanagh miscued a header which left Verschave a free run on goal.

However, the 23-year-old, yet to score in the league since joining on loan last month, took too many touches and was closed down.

With two good openings wasted, and Smith stretchered off injured, Hollins admitted he feared the worst when Stoke's James O'Connor stooped to head past Roger Freestone with nine minutes remaining.

After the heartbreak at Northampton last week, Swansea nerves were jangling as the home side searched for an equaliser.

O'Connor went close again before Peter Thorne's 20-yard shot was defelected just wide.

And the Swans even survived a penalty appeal for handball before the final whistle brought huge relief for Hollins and his players.

They deserved the win, and while the football was not always pretty, that does not matter at this stage of the season.

Points are all that count, and it remains to be seen whether this superb result does kickstart Swansea's attempt to avoid an immediate return to Division Three.

They are still second from bottom and Port Vale's win away at Colchester last night has made their task even harder.

But after two wins over a side of Stoke's quality, many might wonder what Swansea are doing anywhere near the foot of the table.

SWANSEA:

Freestone, Howard, Cusack, Smith (Romo 54), Bound, Watkin (Jenkins 76), O'Leary, Lacey, Price, Verschave, Fabiano. Subs not used: Roberts, J Jones, Phillips.

STOKE:

Kristiansson, Hansson (Risom 80), Gunnarsson, Kavanagh, Thorne, Dadason, Dorigo, O'Connor, Thomas, Kippe (Thordarson 41), Gudjonsson.

Subs not used: Clarke, Muggleton, Petty.

Bookings: Fabiano (60), Thordarson (86).

Referee: George Cain (Bootle).

Star choice: Nicolas Fabiano

Attendance: 10,091.

Stoke City 1 Swansea City 2

JASON PRICE and Christian O’Leary were the heroes as Swansea chiselled a stunning life-line in the Potteries last night.

It was the Vetch side’s first Second Division victory of 2001 - only a third league maximum on the road since mid-September, but it sparked real belief that the Swans can yet escape the big drop.

John Hollins’s braves had sailed to a deserved two-goal lead in front of a disbelieving Britannia Stadium crowd, but they had to endure a nail-biting finale after midfielder James O’Connor pulled a goal back for the Potters nine minutes from time.

Swansea were boosted before kick-off as influential skipper Jason Smith and Christian O’Leary came through late fitness tests. ’Keeper Roger Freestone also returned after suspension and Steve Watkin slotted into attack - these were the changes from the side beaten at Bury last Saturday.

Injury-hit Stoke showed an extensive reshuffle from the line-up that was dumped out of the LDV Vans Northern Section Semi-final by arch rivals Port Vale on Monday.

But, the Potters still boasted eight full internationals - including captain and veteran Chelsea and England star Tony Dorigo at left-wing-back. Stripe-shirted Stoke were soon probing forward and carved out their first opening in the eighth minute.

Smith nodded away the initial danger from Dorigo, but there was real danger from Graham Kavanagh’s right-side corner - Peter Thorne powering over from point-blank range.

But, after 18 minutes, the Stadium hushed as gritty Swansea grabbed the lead. Nicolas Fabiano robbed Wayne Thomas on the left and Jason Price switched feet before drilling past Birkir Kristinsson from 18 yards.

Stoke, 33 points and 17 spots in front of Swansea in the table, struggled to trouble John Hollins’s men at the back as Matthew Bound and Smith covered superbly. And dishevelled Stoke were falling further behind on 31 minutes as they paid a huge penalty for defensive frailties at a set-piece.

Mikael Hansson and Brynjar Gunnarsson failed to clear Fabiano’s left-side corner and O’Leary took full advantage as he drilled home from 12 yards.

The Potters appeared to be crumbling and their home crowd soon voiced their discontent as another Price drive flashed wide.

But Nick Cusack, Fabiano and Damien Lacey totally overshadowed their midfield counterparts, Kavanagh and O’Connor.

Early into the second half the Swansea goal was under siege however.

Rickki Dadason scooped over under pressure from Smith and minutes later the striker sent a header into the side netting as Stoke finally mounted a belated response.

But four minutes from the hour, Swansea were reeling as their captain Smith was carried off after the challenge from Kavanagh.

David Romo left the bench to replace the ex-Tiverton man, Cusack slotting in alongside O’Leary and Bound in defence.

Stoke’s frustration was escalating as a flurry of corners yielded nothing, but they were back in it on 81 minutes as O’Connor glided home Bjarni Gudjonsson ball at the near post.

Thorne and Dadason then put other blasts wide, but in a white-knuckle ride Swansea held on.

SWANSEA City go in search of their first double of the season when they face promotion-chasing Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium tonight. (7.45pm).

But manager John Hollins knows it is going to be tough, especially as he is without the undoubted star of the 2-1 home victory back in October.

Debutant Giovanni Savarese scored a brace of goals that day to give Swansea their fourth win of the season, but is definitely out of tonight's game with concussion.

Since the win over Stoke, Swansea have won just once in 22 League games, and desperately need a repeat performance tonight to kick-start their Second Division survival campaign.

And Hollins is hoping the quality of the Britannia Stadium pitch will improve his side's chances following the 3-0 defeat on the cabbage patch at Bury last Saturday.

"Stoke will be a great surface so that could help us play, but having said that there will be something like 13,000 supporters roaring them on," said Hollins.

"If you want an edge to a game you will certainly get it at Stoke. It's going to be hard."

Hollins will also be without Steve Jones and probably Jason Smith.

One bit of good news is the possible return of centre-back Kristian O'Leary from a calf injury.

Ex-Burnley striker Andy Cooke is Stoke boss Gudjon Thordarson's main worry and is rated very doubtful for tonight.

Centre-back Nicky Mohan is suspended, though Irish under-21 player James O'Connor returns after a two-match ban.

Kyle Lightbourne, who scored Stoke's goal at Vetch Field in the 2-1 defeat, is now on loan at Cardiff City.

Meanwhile, Swansea City's FAW Premier Cup quarter-final tie with Carmarthen Town on Tuesday night will be screened live on BBC2 Wales.

The game will kick-off at 6.55pm.

Admission will be £3 for adults, and concessions are £1.

Swansea (from):

Freestone, Howard, Cusack, Bound, O'Leary, Smith, Lacey, Price, Jenkins, Romo, Fabiano, Verschave, Watkin, Roberts, Jones J, Phillips, Boyd, De-Vulgt

Stoke:

(from): Kristinsson, Kippe, Thomas, Gunnarsson, Hansson, Dorigo, O'Connor, Kavanagh, Gudjonsson, Thorne, Dadason, Muggleton, Petty, Cooke, Goodfellow, Connor, Risom.

SWANSEA City full-back Steve Jones's nightmare season continues after he was stretchered off in Monday night's FAW Premier Cup clash with Total Network Solutions.

On his return from a thigh problem which had ruled him out of John Hollins's plans since January 20, Jones left the field in the first minute of his comeback.

What looked a fairly innocuous challenge actually caused extensive damage to the 30-year-old's left ankle, and he is now expected to be on the sidelines for another four to six weeks.

Initially Hollins feared Jones had broken his ankle, but x-rays revealed he had actually sprained ligaments.

Even so, it is yet another unfortunate injury blow for the Swansea defender, as well as his boss, just as Hollins thought he had regained a key member of the Third Division title-winning side.

"I have no idea what I have done or who I have upset, but for Steve to get injured in his second challenge after six weeks out is unbelievable," said Hollins.

For Jones, it is the latest in a long line of injuries suffered since he joined Swansea in 1995 from Cheltenham.

The Bristol-born player broke his leg during the play-offs in 1997, before a collision with Swans keeper Jason Jones in February 1999 left him with a broken cheekbone.

Before Christmas this season, Jones missed two months with stomach and groin problems.

Meanwhile, Swansea supporters making the trip to Stoke tonight will get a taste of what the future will be like.

Stoke City's Britannia Stadium, opened in 1997, has been described as very similar to what the Morfa Stadium will eventually look like.

Representatives of Swansea Council and South Wales Police have travelled to the 28,500 capacity all-seater in the past. It was built comparatively cheaply — costing £14.7million — but is extremely impressive.

Tonight will be the Swans' first visit to the Potteries club since the move from the Victoria Ground and Swans followers are sure to like what they see.

Promotion hopefuls Stoke suffered an extra-time 2-1 defeat by arch rivals Port Vale in the LDVVans Trophy on Monday night.

Both Stoke and Swansea went out of the competition at the same stage, but while John Hollins's side were left to concentrate on avoiding relegation after they lost to Brentford, the Potters will now focus all their attention on reaching Division One.

The defeat was the second in the last 18 matches for Gudjon Thordarson's side.

The former Iceland international boss had said before the game that the league was his priority this season, so he will not have been pleased with the number of injuries his team picked up. Strikers Andy Cooke and Marc Goodfellow as well as Ireland Under-21 left-back Clive Clarke are all doubtful for tonight.

RELEGATION-haunted Swansea City won’t have leading scorer Giovanni Savarese to help them gain their first win in 11 league games at Stoke City tonight.

The 14-goal Venezuelan international striker will also miss Saturday’s home game against Northampton.

Savarese is sidelined by a head blow sustained in Saturday’s 3-0 defeat at Bury.

“Gio was aware of everything going on at the time but had a bad reaction to the knock,” said embattled Swans manager John Hollins.

“Doctors say he will be out for two weeks which is obviously a setback, but we have to soldier on without him.”

Hollins remains upbeat despite the dismal run which has plunged his side to Division Two baesment - only Oxford United are below them - and left them 10 points from safety.

“There are still 42 points to play for and I believe one win could start to turn things around for us, as I’ve been saying all along,” he said.

“We played extremely well in our last game on a decent pitch at Northampton. The spirit in the camp is still good. All the lads need is a lift.

“I thought we had it on Saturday when our young ’keeper, Alex Davies, saved a penalty soon after coming on for his League debut.

“But the referee ordered the penalty to be retaken after a linesman said Alex moved, which was the final straw. Things certainly haven’t being going for us.

“I’m looking for my players to re-produce the form which earned us our last victory against Walsall.

“If we play as well as I know we can, we’ll develop, score goals and start winning games.

“I’m looking forward to the Stoke game. The pressure will be on but the harder the games are the greater the challenge for us to respond to.”

Steve Watkin is poised to replace Savarese, having scored in Monday night’s 1-l draw with Total Network Solutions which earned the Swans a home quarter final tie against Camarthen in the FAW Premier Cup next Tuesday.

And the Swans could be boosted by the return from injury of defenders Jason Smith and Kris O’Leary.

Steve Jones’s hopes of a recall were dashed when the injury-plagued full-back damaged ankle ligaments minutes into the Premier Cup-tie with TNS.

And Jamaican international striker Walter Boyd, who has contributed virtually nothing this season, picked up a calf injury.

Reliable Roger Freestone reclaims the goalkeeper’s shirt after a one-match suspension and winger Stuart

Roberts stands by for a recall.

Stoke have injury worries over Wayne Thomas, Clive Clarke, Andy Cook and Mark Goodfellow following Monday’s LDV Vans Trophy exit at the hands of Port Vale - only their second defeat in 18 league and cup games.

Centre-back and captain Nicky Mohan is suspended.

SWANSEA City's fans have been urged to consider buying into the up-for-sale club.

The advice comes from a leading authority on supporters' buy-outs of football clubs and follows the recent move by Lincoln City followers to take control of the Imps.

Fans of Northampton Town and Bournemouth are also involved in running their clubs, while similar developments are on-going at Sheffield Wednesday.

The situation at each club is bound to be different.

But Brian Sturgess, owner of Soccer Investor magazine, insists the principle of fans having a financial stake in the way clubs are run is a sound one.

"It is the way forward, although there are a lot of issues that have to be looked at," said Sturgess.

"I'd say it was very feasible for a club like Swansea.

"Fans of any club should consider the idea and I would encourage any reasonable models.

"Going down this road is suitable for a club with a fairly strong fan base and where people are committed to seeing the club do well.

"It's been done in Europe and it's been done over here, so we are not talking about something new."

Sturgess said fans buying into Northampton and Bournemouth in recent years had proved successful.

"The fans have certainly become more involved and they have got satisfaction from that," he said.

"People buy shares in football clubs because they want to be more involved and are committed."

Swansea were put up for sale by current owners Ninth Floor last month.

Chris Evans was linked with a bid for the club last week, but the rumours were dismissed by the Virgin Radio presenter.

A fans' take-over has been suggested in guestbook messages on an unofficial Swansea City website in recent weeks.

It follows developments at Lincoln, where John Reames stood down as chairman and sold his shares to a number of business people and representatives of the fans.

It has been suggested on the internet that Swans chairman Neil McClure may not be against a similar move at Vetch Field, but he was unavailable for comment today.

JOHN Hollins praised his players after their 1-1 draw earned his side a home FAW Premier Cup quarter-final with Carmarthen Town next Tuesday.

The Swansea manager was pleased just to end a run of six defeats since the goalless draw with Millwall on February 10.

"Overall it was a much better and much sharper performance," said Hollins.

"It was still not good enough, but at least we got something out of the game and we have started the week unbeaten.

"It could have been Caernarfon Town all over again but it was not, we came back."

Swansea lost 1-0 at home to the North Walian side this time last year in this competition.

Hollins was very disappointed with TNS's goal, which he felt had taken Roger Freestone by surprise.

He said that following the 44th minute opener, both he and Alan Curtis had a "few words" to say to their players at half-time.

And the Swans boss could hardly believe the cruel luck which meant full-back Steve Jones was stretchered off early in the game on his return from injury.

"I have no idea what I have done or who I have upset but for Steve to get injured in his second challenge after six weeks out is unbelievable," he said.

Swansea City...1
TNS...1


THE match programme, printed for the original December date of this rearranged fixture, wished all Swansea City fans a Merry Christmas.

But there was very little cheer at Vetch Field last night.

A 1-1 draw was enough for both Swansea and visitors Total Network Solutions to qualify for the FAW Premier Cup quarter-finals — John Hollins's side had avoided defeat by five goals and TNS two.

Swansea will now entertain Carmarthen Town in a local derby a week today, the winners of which could conceivably go onto a two-legged semi-final against Cardiff City.

That possibility and the £100,000 prize money available for the eventual winners make the competition attractive, but the priority of course has to be the league.

A pretty strong Swansea side — which included 10 of the first-team squad — did not do much against the League of Wales champions to suggest the league run of one win in their last 22 games would improve at Stoke tomorrow.

At half-time, the 413 supporters who turned up on a night when the North Bank was closed and the away end empty feared the worst as Swansea trailed 1-0.

TNS midfielder Tim Alexander had given Ken McKenna's side the lead just before the interval.

He struck a free-kick right-footed from 35 yards which bounced under keeper Roger Freestone.

The Welsh international, returning to the side after a one-match suspension, looked to have the shot covered but it sneaked into the bottom corner.

The goal came after a poor first-half in which one move stood out.

In the ninth minute, Swans midfielder Martin Thomas collected the ball on the left touchline and played it into Walter Boyd's path. The Jamaican striker laid off well to Steve Watkin who with his first touch put Stuart Roberts clear on goal.

Inside the penalty area, the 20-year-old drove a fierce shot which hit the angle of bar and post and bounced away to safety.

Before that chance, Hollins had been hit by the cruel loss of Steve Jones in the first 40 seconds of his return from a thigh problem which had kept him out since January. The right-back left the field on a stretcher with a nasty-looking ankle injury.

Hollins's side looked more purposeful early in the second period and duly equalised in the 49th minute.

Left-back Michael Howard whipped in a fine cross which found Watkin unmarked on the six-yard line and he headed home.

Like Freestone, TNS keeper Paul Smith may have done better as he appeared to get both hands to the ball.

There was little to warm up the hardy supporters after that on a freezing night at the Vetch.

Boyd and Howard both struck long-range shots which failed to find the target.

Perhaps the players got cold too, as virtually all of them joined in a scuffle which started when ex-Coventry defender Steve Morgan tussled with Watkin. The referee surprisingly took no action.

On the plus side Swansea at least managed a result after five consecutive league defeats.

But if only it was, as the programme suggested, Christmas.

Turning back the clock Swansea would have been now looking forward to the visit of Walsall on Boxing Day, a match which saw them emerge 3-1 victors.

That was the last time they won in the league.

Swansea:

Freestone, S Jones (De-Vulgt 4), Howard, Phillips, Todd, Bound, Roberts, Thomas, Boyd, Watkin, Jenkins (Morgan 80). Subs not used: J Jones, Gregson, Verschave.

TNS:

Smith, Holmes, Coathup, Morgan, Edwards, Edge (M Powell 71), G Powell, Alexander, Wright (Welton 63), Evans, Ward (Wood 89). Subs not used: Toner, Bell.

Scorers:

Swansea — Watkin (49); TNS —Alexander (44).

Bookings:

Swansea — Phillips (45); TNS — Alexander (53).

Referee:

H. Griffiths (Merthyr)

Attendance: 413

Swans Star Choice: Gareth Phillips

Faw Premier Cup: Swansea City 1 Tns 1
STEVE WATKIN rescued shaky Swansea from the prospect of another embarrassing FAW Premier Cup defeat in front of a sparse Vetch Field crowd last night.

The striker met Michael Howard’s cross at the near post after 49 minutes, to cancel out Tim Alexander’s stunning 35-yard free kick on the stroke of half-time.

The result means that Swansea will face Carmarthen at home in the quarter-finals next Tuesday while TNS face a trip to Barry.

Waiting Llanelli chairman Bobby Jones had been hoping his old club would do his team a favour and win by two clear goals to ensure his side’s passage into the last eight.

But, despite a stronger second-half showing against the League of Wales’s champions, Swansea could not find the extra firepower.

TNS justified their progress with a totally committed performance and, for long periods in the first half, Swansea’s league strength team simply could not break down the well-organised defence.

Winger Stuart Roberts went close when he struck the post after nine minutes following the best move of the game.

But Swansea, very much mirroring their league form, failed to create enough clear-cut chances for Watkin and co-striker Walter Boyd.

TNS, on the other hand, were denied by the brilliance of Roger Freestone, when Nicky Ward, the chief TNS attacking threat forced the goalkeeper to parry a shot which was heading for the net before Howard cleared it off the line.

TNS got their reward a minute before the break when Alexander beat Freestone with a free-kick.

Watkin saw to it that history was not repeated, but Swansea had to pay a heavy price for their progress with the returning Steve Jones being carried off in the first minute on his first team comeback after a seven-week absence.

Swansea City: Freestone, Jones (DeVulgt

5), Howard, Phillips, Todd, Bound, Roberts, Thomas, Boyd, Watkin, Jenkins (Morgan

80), TNS: Smith, Holmes, Coathup, Morgan, Edwards, Edge (M Powell 70), G Powell, Alexander, Wright (Welton 63), Evans, Ward (Wood 43).

Referee: H Griffiths (Merthyr).

Swansea leave their league troubles behind them on Monday evening with a place in the FAW Premier Cup quarter-finals at stake against Total Network Solutions.

Both sides can qualify for the quarter-finals from Group C, but the permutations as to who faces who in the knock-out stage are complicated.

Eight teams qualify for the quarter-finals, with the clubs finishing first in each of the three groups and the club finishing second with the best record guaranteed a home draw.

The other four clubs will be those that finish second in the two other groups and the two clubs with the best playing record that finish third.

Home draw

Swansea can afford to lose by four goals and still qualify with home advantage to play Carmarthen Town.

Should they lose by five goals or more then the Swans will face Wrexham away, with Aberystwyth Town getting the home draw against Carmarthen.

Should TNS win, draw, or lose by no more than one goal against Swansea then they will pip Llanelli for a place in the quarter-finals.

If TNS lose by two goals or more then it is Llanelli who will advance to face Barry Town away.

With the huge range of possible outcomes in mind, Swansea manager John Hollins is treating the game with caution.

"We had a very tough game up there and beat them 2-1. They are a big side and they do move the ball around well," Hollins said.

The Swans face a hectic week with Monday's match followed by an away fixture against Stoke on Wednesday in the league and then Northampton at home on Saturday.

But Hollins dismissed any concerns: "It is not a problem, we have got the players and it gets rid of any suspensions we have pretty quickly," Hollins said.

Swansea will be without top scorer Giovanni Savarese after the Venezuelan international was stretchered off with concussion in the weekend defeat at Bury.

But goalkeeper Roger Freestone is back from suspension and Martin Thomas and Steve Jones back to fitness.

Manager Hollins includes nine of the squad from Saturday's defeat at Bury.

Quarter-final draw

Cardiff City v Merthyr Tydfil
Wrexham v Aberystwyth Town/Swansea City
Aberystwyth Town/Swansea City v Carmarthen Town
Barry Town v Llanelli/Total Network Solutions

A few weeks ago the sight of a Bury team scoring three goals in a game was rarer than spotting a Golden Eagle nesting in the Gigg Lane stand.

But, in the space of two home games, the Shakers have managed to achieve the feat twice. Oxford and Swansea may be the bottom two teams in the division, but you can only beat what's put in front of you and Bury have done it in some style.

Two Paul Reid penalties and a first league goal for young full back Lee Connell extended Bury's unbeaten run to six in a match which wasn't pretty, but ultimately very palatable for the Gigg Lane faithful.

On an awful pitch it was a day for battlers and none were finer than tireless midfielder Martyn Forrest and defender Chris Swailes.

Forrest rarely gets the plaudits but he was everywhere on Saturday, chasing lost causes all afternoon and won not just the 50-50 tackles, but the 30-70 ones too.

As for Swailes, he was magnificent, not even deterred hy an ugly clash of heads early on which saw him end the game in Terry Butcher-style, with his head covered in blood-stained bandages.

Bury throughly deserved victory and were 1-0 up before Swansea were out of the blocks. Colin Cramb superbly sidestepped two defenders in the area on seven minutes forcing Jason Price to foul him. A definite penalty which was despatched with some aplomb by Paul Reid low to the keeper's right.

Indeed, at that point the visitors -- looking like a true relegation outfit -- were lucky to have 10 players on the field.

Keeper Jason Jones fouled Newby who was clean through on the right side of the area with Paul Reid free in the middle. Referee Mark Warren opted for yellow instead of a red card, which was probably the right decision albeit a tad fortunate for the Swansea keeper.

After the barnstorming start the pace predictably dropped and it was the visitors who had a few half chances to level, the best effort a Damian Lacey half volley which flew inches wide.

After a scrappy start to the second half Bury doubled their advantage with a controversial penalty on 64 minutes. There was no doubt about the penalty being awarded, Cramb again fouled by Swansea stopper Jones as he was about to plant the ball in the net.

There was no doubt too that the visitors' number one had to walk for a seecond bookable offence. On came substitute keeper 18-year-old debutant Alex Davies with the chance to make himself the hero by saving Reid's spot kick.

He did but the referee, after consulting his linesman, ordered a retake saying Davies had been too far off his line. After being surrounded by a crowd of angry Swans players Reid duly made up for his first attempt by scoring. With that, the visitors' chances of salvaging anything disappeared and Bury began to turn on the style.

Cramb and Newby both came close to scoring before sub Lee Connell sealed an excellent day's work late on by clipping a deflected shot past the unfortunate Davies from a tight angle.

Chris Armstrong almost celebrated his new contract with a goal and Lutel James missed an injury time one on one chance but it didn't bother delighted boss Andy Preece too much.

His message after the game was bring on league leaders Millwall. They visit Gigg on Tuesday and the Shakers can't wait.

BURY: Kenny 7, Billy 7, Armstrong 7, C SWAILES 9, Collins 7, Redmond 7, Daws 7, Reid 8, Forrest 9, Newby 7, Cramb 8. Subs: Connell (for Billy 74), James (for Cramb 81), Barnes (for Newby 86), Hill, Preece. ATT: 3,443.

JOHN Hollins was left angry and confused after Swansea City's controversial 3-0 defeat at Bury sent them a step closer to Division Three.

The Swansea manager had words with Walsall referee Mark Warren over keeper Jason Jones's red card and the award of two penalties against his side one of which was missed, only to be retaken and scored.

"When you have decisions like that they completely and utterly mystify you," said a shocked Hollins.

"How many times have you seen a keeper save a penalty and the referee say take it again?

"It was a major turning point in the game and the decision mystified me."

Bury's Paul Reid had beaten Jones with the first penalty, awarded for a foul by Jason Price, to give the Gigg Lane club the lead in the eighth minute. And he stepped up again when the 21-year-old Swansea keeper was sent off for a second foul on loan striker Colin Cramb.

Debutant Alec Davies came on and spectacularly saved the spot-kick, but the match officials deemed that the 18-year-old had moved too early and ordered a retake.

Reid promptly scored and effectively end Swansea's hopes of gaining anything from their trip to Lancashire.

"The referee said he moved, but do you think Fabien Barthez stood still when he saved against Leeds on Saturday morning?," asked Hollins.

"He stayed still when Paolo Di Canio stuck it in but he did not stand still then."

Hollins also said he thought Cramb had dived for the first penalty, and branded Bury's pitch "appalling".

Jones, who was making only his fifth league start for the Swans since joining in 1997, also criticised the referee's decision.

"Alec made a great save from the penalty but for some reason the linesman flagged that he had moved before it was kicked," he said.

"That's never even heard of these days."

The former Liverpool juniors' stopper felt the decision to give the penalty against him was also harsh.

"I ducked out of the way and as their striker tried to jump over me his knee just caught my head and he went down," he added.

An injury blow for top-scorer Giovanni Savarese completed a miserable afternoon for Hollins.

The Venezuelan was stretchered off in the opening minutes of the game after a clash of heads with Bury defender Chris Swailes.

Savarese received two stitches to a head wound and suffered concussion, ruling him out for a minimum of 14 days.

Hollins's beleaguered side now face the daunting prospect of three games in the space of six days.

The Swans travel to Stoke on Wednesday and host Northampton in the league on Saturday.

Tonight, Total Network Solutions are the visitors to Vetch Field in the final group match of the FAW Premeir Cup.

"We've got another easy week," said Hollins sarcastically.

"We will dust ourselves off and start all over again."

Swansea only need to avoid a 4-0 defeat to guarantee a home quarter-final tie with Carmarthen Town.

Admission to the game is £3 for adults and £1 for concessions.

TWO of last season's promotion-winning side are forcing their way back into contention for a first-team place, much to the delight of Swans boss John Hollins

Midfielder Jonathan Coates and full-back Steve Jones have both returned to full training this week after injury lay-offs. Both played some part in the reserve team's goalless draw with Afan Lido last Wednesday night.

"They got through that game with no real problems and that is the main thing," said Hollins.

"It is good news because at this stage of the season we need everybody available." Jones has been out since mid-January because of internal bleeding in his thigh, while knee ligament trouble has kept Coates out since last October's game at Rotherham. "The Afan Lido match went well, though I'm only about 80 per cent there," said Coates.

"There were things missing from my game but they will come back practice.

I just need a few more games under my belt and hopefully I'll be back for the gaffer soon." Jones said: "I feel I could probably play now, but I wouldn't do myself justice and it wouldn't be fair on the other lads.

I've just got to be patient a little longer."

VETCH goalkeeping coach Glan Letheran last night spoke of his pride at the performances of young proteges Jason Jones and Alec Davies at Gigg Lane.

Both starred even if the furore over Walsall referee Mark Warren overshadowed their deeds.

Swansea-born Davies, only 18, was on the bench before the kickoff, 21-year-old North Walian Jones stepping in for a fifth league start in place of suspended Welsh international Roger Freestone.

Jones’s early nerves prompted a fourth-minute booking. A flurry of fine saves followed before he saw red after 64 minutes for grounding Shakers striker Colin Cramb in the area.

His replacement - Davies - then entered proceedings with some gusto as the contest exploded around a twice-taken penalty by Bury’s Paul Reid.

But even if Swansea manager John Hollins felt rightfully aggrieved because referee Warren did not allow a brilliant penalty save from Davies, Letheran was in optimistic mood.

He declared, “It couldn’t have been easy for those two lads out there. Jason Jones has been waiting a long time for his chance because Roger Freestone is such a magnificent model of consistency.

“Jason was understandably nervous at the team hotel on Friday night, but I remembered my own feelings before matches as a young ’keeper at 17.

“OK, he was sent off, but Jason will learn from this - I will be reminding him about some of the good stops he made during the game.” A former Leeds and Swansea ’keeper, Letheran was also full of praise for starlet Davies, a second-year Vetch apprentice. He said, “Alec made a superb penalty stop from Paul Reid and also was there for other fine saves.

“He will be devastated that the referee didn’t allow his penalty save to stand, but he will be quite high for a number of days despite this 3-0 defeat.

“I have known the lad for a few years now. He is a tremendous prospect and will probably move up the reckoning with Jason’s forthcoming suspension.

“But I will be bringing him back down to earth with some hard graft!”

BELEAGUERED John Hollins might be tempted to seek paranormal aid after seeing his men sink deeper into the relegation mire at an arctic Gigg Lane.

A 3-0 scoreline appears to suggest that the Swans’ 18th league defeat since August - and their seventh setback in eight Second Division games - was a real whipping, but nothing could be further from the truth.

Quite simply, this was the wintry tale of two youthful goalkeepers, a man in black and a killer penalty twice taken on a lunar-like landscape.

The central figures were Swansea’s Jason Jones and Alec Davies, aged a combined 39 years between them, Shakers schemer Paul Reid and a referee from the Midlands, Mark Warren.

It looked like just another fixture in the lower echelons of the Nationwide League until the spirits decreed otherwise four minutes after the hour.

The script went like this: Swansea were trailing 1-0 from an eighth-minute spot-kick by Bury’s Reid when they conceded another as the crew-cutted Jones floored Colin Cramb in the box. The goalkeeper departed in a red mist.

Hollins’s troops, reduced to a not-perfect-10, sacrificed Lee Jenkins to call 18-year-old custodian Davies from the bench for a senior baptism - and he sprang to his left to brilliantly save Reid’s drilled kick.

Police officer Warren sniffed illegal early movement from the teenager and, after consulting a linesman, allowed former Leicester man Reid to blast a re-taken kick past the distraught Davies.

This was all too much for Hollins, who said, “That referee said my goalkeeper moved, but didn’t Barthez do the same thing playing for Manchester United against Leeds earlier today?

“Doesn’t he realise that a goalkeeper has to move, otherwise a player is always going to score from a penalty?

“This was a major turning-point in the game. We were trailing, but looked like getting back into the match at any moment. When you get decisions like this it mystifies you.”

The angry Swans manager dashed to question Warren after the match, but then reappeared even more confused. He declared, “I asked him if Jones had a one or a three-match ban - he couldn’t even answer that!”

Club skipper Nick Cusack also felt robbed and lashed out at the decision. He said, “We are very annoyed about the linesman influencing a moment which ended the match as a contest.

“We couldn’t complain about the penalty, but those officials must have been the only people in the ground who hadn’t accepted Alec Davies’s save as legal.

“I certainly didn’t see any of the Bury supporters protesting. The young boy pulled off a magnificent stop and was then ridiculously punished for moving.”

Seasoned professional Cusack, a PFA representative, is convinced that the standard of refereeing needs to improve, and calls for the Football Association to fast-track a system enabling former pros to get into the refereeing circles.

He said, “Referees are making decisions which affect professional players’ futures. I ran across to the linesman concerned and asked him what he did for a living - he refused to give me an answer.

“You begin to wonder if certain officials realise the consequences of their actions. I’d just like to see

something done to encourage more former professional players into refereeing.

“I’m convinced that would be a step in the right direction.”

But the 35-year-old Yorkshireman wasn’t nearly so positive about a Gigg Lane pitch

which is clearly showing the wear of staging Swindon’s rugby league and Manchester United’s reserve acts.

Swansea’s ball-playing musketeers - David Romo, Matthais Verschave and Nicolas Fabiano - always struggled on a surface which became increasingly perilous as temperatures dipped below zero.

Snapped Cusack, “Bury have a disgraceful pitch. They are obviously used to it and just humped the ball forward at every opportunity. At least we tried to play good football.”

Manager Hollins was equally scathing.

He stormed, “People have criticised our Vetch Field, but I defy anybody to play soccer on the Bury pitch.”

Events started to go pear-shaped for the Swans in Lancashire after onlyfour minutes.

Goalkeeper Jones, 21, playing his first league match for 25 months, raced out and felled the charging Paul Newby on the left edge of his box.

A yellow card - it could so easily have been red - followed before the Swans mission received a fatal blow with the loss of 14-goal top scorer Giovanni Savarese after eight minutes.

The Venezuelan international - such a potent weapon since arriving in British soccer from America last October - exited with blood pouring from a gaping head wound, the legacy of a sickening clash with Bury’s Chris Swales.

Steve Watkin replaced him, but 60 seconds later Swansea trailed when Reid drilled home from the spot after Jason Price tripped Cramb in the box.

But despite these blows and Chris Billy’s right-side promptings, which also sparked danger, Swansea enjoyed enough possession for greater profit.

Cusack and Damien Lacey flashed rockets wide, and Watkin muffed an opportunity some time before the penalty drama.

But Bury’s young Lee Connell - who was celebrating his league debut - had the last say by scoring a third for the Shakers, superbly chipping Davies two minutes from time.

SWANSEA CITY might seek paranormal assistance in a desperate bid to beat the drop.

Concerned managing director Mike Lewis is on the brink of sending an SOS to old friend and mind-bending guru Uri Geller in an effort to stem the slump.

He said: "Uri and I have a strong friendship which goes back to my time at Reading. He possesses powers no other person on this planet has. He lives in a world which would be totally unreal to the rest of us.

"But I'd welcome his assistance right now. We need all the help we can get in our position. I'm going to speak to John Hollins to try and get something set up."

BURY 3 SWANSEA 0

SWANSEA'S hopes of beating the drop nose-dived further after this comprehensive defeat in chilly Lancashire.

Two goals from midfielder Paul Reid - both penalties - put the skids under John Hollins' side, who ended the game with only 10 men.

The drama began as early as the second minute when defender Jason Price brought down Bury striker Colin Cramb in the box and Reid converted the penalty.

And when goalkeeper Jason Jones brought down Cramb in the box just after the hour mark, referee Mark Warren had no hesitation in sending him off, after booking him for a similar offence in the first half.

Eighteen-year-old youth team keeper Alex Davies saved the spot-kick but was judged to have moved early, and the Bury man made no mistake with his second attempt.

The youngster did superbly to save two efforts from Liverpool loan star John Newby.

But he could do nothing about substitute Lee Connell's deflected effort that looped over his head and in three minutes from time.

Lutel James should have made it four in stoppage time, but Davies did well to block his effort.