Swansea boss Colin Addison was rushing to the defence of defender Kris O'Leary during the postmortem of Friday night's home defeat to Hartlepool.

The north-easterners chalked up their four successive Third Division maximum thanks to Graeme Lee's freak 22nd minute winner. The Swans' woe was compounded by ex-Welsh under-21 international O'Leary's late red card - his third dis -missal of the season.

Jaded Swansea crashed to their second defeat in seven League and Cup matches and it ended a dreadful week for 24-year-old O'Leary, who had lost a close friend in the recent Port Talbot steelworks tragedy.

The centre-back - a star in last Sunday's FA Cup first round hammering of QPR at the Vetch - saw red from erratic Northampton referee Peter Walton for a second bookable offence.

The Welshman had been cautioned for fouling ex-Sheffield Wednesday striker Ritchie Humphries before the break and then foolishly slid into Paul Smith on the near-side touch-line three minutes from time - the former Burnley player surely a graduate of RADA, though.

The wing-back's reaction didn't impress Addison who snapped: "I thought the ref's decision was very harsh. Kris is not an aggressive player, he's in tears right now in the dressing room.

"Maybe he should have stood up when he challenged his man, but he's had a traumatic time recently."

The former Merthyr manager is unlikely to punish O'Leary, whose record might now be scrutinised by Football Association of Wales bigwigs.

But Addison was looking on the bright side despite the Hartlepool setback and is convinced that club chairman Tony Petty smothering a hostile takeover bid from ex-Vetch director Mel Nurse is a positive sign the Swans can move forward.

The 42-year-old Aussie-based Londoner Petty still has to stump up £100,000 in the County Court by

4.30pm tomorrow but Addison said: "I'm pleased the matter is settled -from everybody's point of view.

"The turbulence is finished. Now we've all got to row together in the same boat. People have to remember that Swansea City Football Club is bigger than any one individual."

Meanwhile the former Hereford and Scarborough chief blamed fatigue for Swansea's ninth league defeat of the campaign. He said: "It was a disappointing display from us, one that was probably worse than the Halifax defeat in September.

"But this was our third game in just six days. At least we have eight days until the trip to Mansfield - it's time for a little break."

Quipping, he added: "I'm going home for the first time in weeks - anybody know where Hereford is?"

Unsurprisingly, Hartlepool chief Chris Turner sported the smile of a man whose side had cheated the stocks. He said: "The lads withstood 40 minutes of relentless Swansea City pressure in the second half.

"They showed tremendous character and resilience. But we expected a hard game down here. In John Williams and Mamady Sidibe, the Swans had awkward strikers to mark."

Swansea had shown two changes to the side who sank York at Bootham Crescent last Tuesday. O'Leary returned to central defence and there was a first Swans start for new man Steve Brodie in midfield - Neil Sharp and Nick Cusack dropping out.

The in-form visitors included a couple of familiar faces with ex-Welsh under-21 international Anthony Williams in goal and striker Humphries - the golden-haired predator who had a loan spell at Cardiff two seasons ago.

Addison's men were surprisingly flat considering their morale-boosting victory over QPR last Sunday followed by that comfortable slaying of the Minstermen 48 hours later.

Despite Brodie's midfield sweat, they struggled to mount a telling raid early on and fell behind on 21 minutes to a bizarre Pool opener.

Smith's angled blast appeared innocuous enough until it took a wicked deflection off Lee and whistled into the net past a wrong-footed Roger Freestone.

Off-colour Swansea were coming second in all departments and they were surfing their fortunes in the first minute of interval stoppage time. They never cleared Smith's curling right-side cross, Jon Bass's drive smacking the under-side of the crossbar.

The Swans finally mounted a threat 11 minutes after the restart as Sidibe nodded over at the far post.

And as the clock ran down there was a double change as Steve Watkin and Gareth Phillips left the bench for Jason Smith and Damien Lacey.

The Vetch side had late chances as O'Leary, Stephen Evans and sub Watkin went close.

Then came O'Leary's calamitous exit. Swansea City: Freestone 6, S Evans 8, P Evans 7, J Coates 6, Sidibe 6, Smith 6 (Watkin, 63, 6), Lacey 6 (Phillips, 63 6), Bound 6, Williams 6, O'Leary 6, Brodie 7 (Sharp, 87, 6). Subs not used: Jones, Todd.

Ref: Peter Walton (Northamptonshire).

THE battle over ownership of Swansea City should finally be settled by tea time tomorrow.

Aussie businessman Tony Petty has until 4.30pm tomorrow to lodge £100,000 with Swansea County Court. That sum will effectively nullify the petition by former club director Mel Nurse to force the club into administration.

Nurse bought an £800,000 debt from the club's previous owner, Ninth Floor plc, for £100,000. Nurse and Petty did battle in the county court last week - the action culminating in a ruling by Lord Justice Thomas on Friday that Petty would take control of the club as long as the money was deposited with the County Court.

The court was told that Petty had received pledges of support worth more than £1m. Petty said after the hearing: "I'm trying to fix this club. I'm trying to improve its finances. I need the fans to give me a break."

THREE GAMES in six days appeared to take their toll on Swansea City last night after a dour Hartlepool side left the Vetch Field with all three points.

Colin Addison's rejuvenated Swans were looking for their fourth straight win, but against the North East club they showed all the signs of burn-out after a gruelling schedule which has seen them face Queens Park Rangers in the FA Cup last Sunday followed by a midweek trip to York for a league clash.

Still, the Swans should have got something out of this match following a late flurry in the final 15 minutes which saw Kris O'Leary, Steve Evans, Mamady Sidibe, Steve Watkin and John Williams all squander good chances.

This was the day Swans chairman Tony Petty all but won his ownership battle with ex-club director Mel Nurse, but Petty - sensing emotions were still running high - preferred to watch the game in the safety of the Vetch's television room rather than the directors' box.

Pool arrived in South Wales as one of the division's form sides and looking for their fourth successive league win and they nearly opened the scoring in the eighth minute.

First Darrell Clarke's low shot hit a Swansea defender and then Tommy Widdrington fired over the bar.

The Vetch fell silent in the 21st minute when Hartlepool took the lead with a lucky goal. Paul Smith's angled strike took a wicked deflection off Graeme Lee and fooled Roger Freestone who could only push the ball against the side of his net.

Lee may have known little about it but the 23-year-old claimed the goal.

The jaded Swans were unrecognisable from the team that tore QPR apart in the FA Cup six days earlier.

Hartlepool's Welsh goalkeeper Anthony Williams, born just up the road from Swansea, in the Ogwr Valley, had very little to do in the opening 45 minutes. He caught Williams's header and then watched Jonathan Coates's free-kick sail over the woodwork.

In first-half injury time Chris Turner's men nearly doubled their advantage. Freestone failed to clear Paul Smith's cross and the ball fell to Johnathon Bass whose strike cannoned off the underside of the crossbar.

Moments later Ritchie Humphreys flicked a header past the far post.

The home side showed more adventure in the second half although they were lacking the spark of recent victories - Sidibe headed Coates's cross wide and the Swans midfielder then fed Stephen Brodie who skied his effort into the West Stand.

But Pool produced a blast of their own to remind the Swans they were dangerous on the counter-attack. Bass crossed from the right and Humphreys' diving header just missed the target.

Addison now made a double switch in order to rescue the match, replacing Damien Lacey and Jason Smith with Gareth Phillips and Watkin.

With a quarter of an hour left the Swans at last tested Williams - Steve Evans delivered the perfect corner but O'Leary headed straight at Pool's goalkeeper.

With 11 minutes remaining Swans assistant manager Peter Nicholas had his hands on his head in despair when Sidibe was put clean through by Brodie but the Frenchman's first touch let him down.

Swansea were getting closer and closer with each raid and Steve Evans's header hit the crossbar following a Mathew Bound cross.

In the 83rd minute Watkin squandered a gilt-edged chance to draw Swansea level. Sidibe hooked the ball into the six- yard box and Watkin headed straight at Williams.

Swansea's challenge seemed to have evaporated a minute later when O'Leary was sent off following a mistimed tackle on Smith, his second yellow card of the night after being booked in the first half for a challenge on Humphreys.

But Williams produced a brilliant save to deny Williams in the dying seconds.

Graeme Lee's solitary strike was enough to earn Hartlepool their fourth consecutive league victory as they battled to a win at Swansea.

The Swans ended the match with 10-men as Wales under-21 defender Kristian O'Leary was sent off for the third time this season after 84 minutes for two bookable offences.

Lee netted the only goal of the game in the 21st minute after a free-kick by Darrell Clarke had been only partly cleared by the Swansea defence.

The ball ran loose to Lee wide on the left of the penalty area, and his well-struck angled drive may have taken a slight deflection before it flashed between Roger Freestone and his right hand post.

Swansea had several chances to equalise in the second half, the best of them falling to substitute Steve Watkin in the 82nd minute.

But his header from a cross by Mamady Sidibe went straight to Hartlepool goalkeeper Anthony Williams.

Swansea: Freestone, Bound, Smith, O'Leary, Steve Evans, Lacey, Terry Evans, Coates, Brodie, Williams, Sidibe. Subs: Jones, Phillips, Watkin, Sharp, Todd.

Hartlepool: Williams, Bass, Barron, Lee, Westwood, Clarke, Tinkler, Widdrington, Smith, Humphreys, Watson. Subs: Hollund, Boyd, Robinson, Sharp, Lormor.

Referee: P Walton (Northants)

SWANSEA City manager Colin Addison has banned all talk of the play-offs ahead of tonight's clash with Hartlepool at Vetch Field (7.45).

Swansea, outclassed by Luton a month ago and sliding towards the foot of the table, have at last found their Third Division feet in recent weeks.

But despite a four-game unbeaten run and three consecutive wins, the vastly-experienced Swans boss has warned against getting carried away.

"You will not hear me, Peter Nicholas, the players or anyone else at this club talking about the play-offs," insisted Addison.

"We are not even thinking about them. All we are concerned about is getting focused on tonight's game.

"Of course we are going to try to keep our run going. We've had three tremendous results and the fact that they were all good performances makes it even better.

"But all we have done is won a few games. It has not won us anything and we just want to continue tonight."

Nearly 5,000 fans — the second biggest crowd of the season behind the first home game — turned up for last Sunday's FA Cup clash with Queen's Park Rangers.

And after the 4-0 roasting dished out that night and the away success at York in midweek, Addison is banking on a bumper crowd at the Vetch this evening.

"We're hoping for a big turn-out," he said.

"I've been coming to the Vetch for 30 years and I've seen 3,000 here and 23,000 here.

"The more there are the better. We had a good

crowd against QPR and they were fantastic.

"Hopefully it will be the same again tonight. Times are changing here and we want everyone to come and see it and bring their friends with them."

Fans could see Kristian O'Leary back in the Swansea defence tonight.

The 24-year-old is available again after missing the trip to York because of the funeral of his best friend Stephen Galsworthy, one of the Corus steel blast victims.

Neil Sharp, his deputy in midweek, picked up a calf strain at Bootham Crescent and faces a late fitness test.

Otherwise Addison looks set to name an unchanged side, with new signing Steve Brodie again on the bench.

"Hartlepool are similar to ourselves in that they started badly and have now found some form," added Addison.

"So it will be a tough game, but we can face it with confidence."

Michael Howard and Ryan Casey have returned to training this week, though neither is in contention tonight.

Swansea's reserves will take on Plymouth at Vetch Field next Wednesday (12.30).

A drastic attempt to oust the club's owner has terrace backing, says Huw Richards

Third Division Swansea City go into a fixture today with the bulk of their supporters hoping they will lose.

Not tonight's league match against Hartlepool but a Swansea County Court hearing at which former player and director Mel Nurse, the club's main creditor, is seeking repayment of the Pounds 801,000 he is owed.

If Mr Justice John Thomas accepts Nurse's case, the club will go into administration, organised by local insolvency practitioner Gary Stones, a season-ticket holder, for the rest of the season. If that happens, Nurse, as main creditor, will become a key influence in the running of the club. Nurse has the support of the Swansea City Supporters Trust and of local businessmen who have pledged Pounds 400,000 if he takes control of the club.

The case - a vivid example of the sort of battles lower-league clubs are often called on to fight as they struggle for survival - is the latest, potentially decisive, step in the campaign to remove Tony Petty, who bought Swansea for Pounds 1 in October.

Petty, who has run football clubs in Australia, immediately alienated fans and players by attempting to sack seven players and reduce the contracts of eight others, arguing that this was the only way to save the club, which this season projected a loss of Pounds 600,000, based on crowds of 5,000. An average so far of 3,748 implies losses closer to Pounds 1m.

Protests from fans have been almost continuous since.

Petty has turned down offers for the club reported as Pounds 10,001 and Pounds 50,001 from local businessmen.

Nurse's standing at Swansea is reflected in the naming of the Mel Nurse bar behind its North Bank terrace during the summer. A successful property developer, he resigned from the board after the attempted player sackings.

He found a potential means of levering Petty out of the club by buying its debt of Pounds 801,000 to previous owners Ninth Floor Ltd for Pounds 100,000, plus another Pounds 100,000 if he takes control, and by seeking a County Court judgment.

There were two hearings last week. During these the judge described the club as "hopelessly insolvent" and said he "would have no difficulty winding it up if I was asked to". He said Nurse's initial petition would have failed but gave him time to prepare a business plan and to obtain assurances that the Football League would allow Swansea to operate under administration. These were lodged on Monday.

The judge said of Petty, who argues that he is only liable for the 3 per cent annual interest on the debt, that he had "not contributed to the club or given any sign of doing so". The club, which lodged its case on Wednesday, can appeal if it loses.

The Swansea City Supporters Trust, whose membership has risen to more than 1,000, has been in regular touch with Nurse. He has appealed to fans to back the Trust Shares Fund, about Pounds 20,000, and has promised representation on the board. The Trust points to the precedent set by a trust at Northampton Town, who in 1992 backed putting their club into administration to eject unpopular owners.

David Boyle, development worker for Supporters Direct, the government- backed umbrella body for trusts, said the Swansea example showed: "Fans are not a lumpen proletariat who just sit there. The coalition developed between the expertise that exists in any body of fans and the financial resources of local business is a model for preserving clubs for their communities."

SWANSEA City Supporters Trust set out its plans for the future at its first annual meeting last night.

Some 150 people showed their support at the Patti Pavilion when the Trust's new 11-strong board was introduced after the election results were revealed.

They reiterated their support for former Vetch Field director Mel Nurse, who was present to hear their praise of his attempts to take over the club from club chairman Tony Petty.

They also set out their aim to raise enough cash to have a representative from the Trust on the Swansea City board.

Acting chairman John Parkhouse called for a minute's silence to remember the three men who died in the Port Talbot steel blast tragedy and then reminded the meeting why they were there.

"We are the Jack Army," he said. "Our intention is to raise at least £50,000 and get a member of the Trust on the board of Swansea City.

"We have to remember why we are here. To save the club for our children and grandchildren so they have the chance to support Swansea City football club for years to come."

The Trust now has 1,255 members and has raised so far £23,000 but is looking to raise at least £50,000.

The elected members on the board are: Leigh Dineen, Richard Lillicrap, Nigel Hamer, John Parkhouse, Marilyn Croft, Brian Rees, Paul Morris, Gwyn Johns, John Davies, Ian McCloy and Illtyd Francis.

SWANSEA City manager Colin Addison hailed last night's victory at former club York City as the most important result of the season.

Despite last week's success at Torquay and Sunday's spectacular demolition of QPR, Addison felt the 2-0 win at Bootham Crescent was the biggest game of all.

"It has not won us anything, it's only one game, but we have won a very, very significant match for the future of Swansea City Football Club," he said.

"We have carried on where we left off against QPR and we've now gone four games unbeaten and got three wins on the trot.

"It's another step. It will not win us promotion and it will not win us a play-off place but it's another step up the ladder.

"It's definitely the most significant result in the short time I have been at the club."

Against a mediocre York side, Swansea controlled the game and did not look like losing after Damian Lacey gave the visitors a 27th-minute lead.

Mamady Sidibe's neat finish 16 minutes from the end put the icing on the cake, though a little bit crumbled off when Lacey was controversially red-carded in the closing minutes.

"That was so disappointing and Damian's very upset," added Addison.

"The referee said he punched somebody but he never punched anybody. It was a 50-50 ball, both players went in hard and I thought it was a very, very harsh decision."

Skipper Nick Cusack agreed. "Anybody who knows Damian knows he is not that kind of player. He is not malicious or aggressive," he said.

"He maintains he never touched him and we will be looking closely at the video with a view to an appeal."

But Addison could not hide his delight after sweet victory at the club where he began his playing career back in 1957.

"I asked for more consistency and the boys have given it to me here," he beamed.

"No-one could argue with the outcome. We were very competent and won well.

"This will give us more confidence and everyone around the club a lift in difficult times."

NICK Cusack reckons Swansea have joined the race for promotion after their comfortable victory last night took them to 15th in the table.

And after four games without defeat, captain Cusack insists the players are now looking up to the play-off places rather than down to the dreaded Nationwide League trapdoor.

"We were in a false position down at the bottom," said the 35-year-old midfielder.

"With the squad we've got we are capable of maintaining a challenge for promotion. I am absolutely positive of that.

"I have said all along that once we got our key players back it would be a different proposition playing against teams and we have proved that over the last few games.

"With players of the calibre of Jason Smith, Damian Lacey and Mamady Sidibe back in the team, plus the wise acquisitions that have been made, there is strength in depth and the omens are good.

"We have just got to continue as we are now and we'll start climbing the table.

"This is a great result for us and I am feeling very positive indeed. The future looks bright."

Despite not matching the standards set in the stunning 4-0 defeat of QPR, Swansea never looked like slipping up in North Yorkshire.

"Coming two days after QPR, I thought it was a terrific effort," added Cusack.

"We knew it was going to be a tougher challenge really and we worked hard to grind out a result which we are absolutely delighted with.

"Now roll on Hartlepool on Friday and hopefully another three points."

York City ....................... 0
Swansea City ................ 2

York City :
Fettis, Potter, Cooper, Hobson (Maley 79), Brass, Bullock, Nogaan, Proctor, Smith (Darlow 68), Richardson (Edmondson 57), Hocking. Subs not used: Wood, Collinson.

Swansea City :
Freestone, Sharp (Todd 79), Cusack, T Evans, S Evans, Coates (Phillips 62), Sidibe, Smith, Lacey, Bound, Williams (Brodie 62). Subs not used: Jones, Watkin.

Referee : Tony Leake (Lancashire).

Attendance: 1,840.

Booked: Todd 90, Bullock 90.

Sent off: Lacey 87.


SWANSEA City may not have revisited the dizzy heights of Sunday's FA Cup success, but did all that was required to overcome York City last night.

The challenge at a sleepy Bootham Crescent was to forget the weekend spectacular and get back to the more important business of claiming league points.

Colin Addison had set his side the test. They passed with flying colours even if it was not a five-star performance.

"We did not play as well as on Sunday, but that doesn't matter," said a delighted Addison.

"I read the York captain's (Chris Brass) quotes about the Queen's Park Rangers game. They watched it on television and heard all the accolades. He said 'We just might catch Swansea after the Lord Mayor's show, they might just be complacent and think they only have to turn up to beat us.'

"That was our motivation and we've gained another very significant result."

Despite the fact that Swansea were by no means at their best, hapless York simply could not match the visitors.

The mark of any good side is the ability to grind out results without hitting top form.

Addison knows that's what his side achieved last night and, although he will not say it, must be starting to think more about the passage to the play-off spots than the relegation escape route.

If only they could play York every week, they would be favourites for the Third Division title.

Terry Dolan's side had enjoyed some cup glory of their own at the weekend with a creditable draw away at Second Division Colchester, but last night there was a smell of away success even before kick-off.

A measly 1,840 fans - 80 of them from South Wales - turned up to watch a home side struggling for goals all season so far.

And even with Kris O'Leary, one of Sunday's heroes, absent from the Swansea defence, the Minstermen never looked like finding their finishing feet.

Neil Sharp slotted into the Swansea back-line, and with Jason Smith outstanding once again, Roger Freestone settled in for another quiet 90 minutes.

Only Graham Potter's curling free-kick early in the second half forced the Welsh international into serious action and he parried away well.

Swansea's stretch without defeat now stands at four games, and if Addison's better luck with injuries continues, there is every prospect of that run continuing for some tie to come.

It was about this time two seasons ago when John Hollins's men embarked on the record-breaking run which eventually took them to the Third Division title.

Addison's side, remoulded but with the same backbone as then, are starting to look more like the miserly championship winners.

A second clean sheet in three days was the key last night. Addison and assistant Peter Nicholas have tightened up Swansea's act, and a side leaking goals just a couple of weeks ago is now almost unrecognisable.

As a result, one goal would have been enough to see off York. In the end Swansea got two thanks to Mamady Sidibe's new-found sharpness in front of goal.

The contest was no thriller and desperately needed Damian Lacey's sweet 27th-minute strike to spark a bit of life. Up against his old club, John Williams was the star performer in the first half and it was no surprise when the 33-year-old produced the opening goal.

Chasing what looked a lost cause, he managed to bend his foot round the ball as York centre-back Chris Smith attempted to shepherd it behind for a goal kick.

Williams's pull-back found Lacey unmarked on the edge of the box and the hard-working midfielder coolly steered low past the sprawling Alan Fettis and into the bottom corner.

After netting himself against QPR, the energetic Williams went in search of another on a breakaway before half-time.

After a neat one-two with Sidibe, the former sprinting champion charged down the left-flank before seeing his right-foot shot scrambled away by nervy Northern Ireland international Fettis.

York's only offering before the break came from midfielder Lee Bullock,who skewed his effort over from 20 yards.

Not surprisingly, that was not good enough for the home support, who first made themselves heard on the half-time whistle with a chorus of boos.

Things could only get better for the Yorkshire fans. But they didn't.

Potter's free-kick provided their only excitement as Swansea continued to boss the game in the second period without hitting top gear.

A rare defensive slip nearly let former Southampton winger Potter in for another chance but the dependable Smith was across in the nick of time to snuff him out.

When Swansea doubled their advantage with 16 minutes left, cries of 'Dolan out' came from the disconsolate home faithful

By contrast, the small band of travelling fans were delirious as they watched the increasingly popular Sidibe tuck away his only chance of the evening in front of the away end.

After debutant Steve Brodie had nudged on Freestone's punt, the big Frenchman brushed off his marker before guiding the ball right-footed past the advancing Fettis.

The only sour note for Swansea came when Lacey was controversially red-carded as the clock ticked down.

After a 50-50 challenge with Brass, the 24-year-old was adjudged to have punched the feisty York skipper. Expect an appeal.

Lacey's dismissal was a disappointment, but it could not tarnish another fine night for Addison on his return to the club where he began hs playing career back in 1957.

Since then the Swansea boss has enjoyed many high notes as a player and a manager. There is a slight glimmer that there could just be another one on the way.

THE MINSTERMEN crumbled as strikes either side of the break by Damien Lacey and Mamady Sidibe sent Swansea soaring to a sixth league win of the season at Bootham Crescent.

It meant Collin Addison's men leapfrogged York in the Third Division table and extended their unbeaten run to four matches.

But it all ended on a sour note for the Swans as goal-hero Lacey was controversially sent packing three minutes from time after clashing with York's Chris Brass.

The Swansea player's challenge appeared innocuous enough, but Lancashire referee Tony Leake flashed a red card after midfielder Brass collapsed to the floor clutching his face.

And in a stormy finale substitutes Chris Todd and Steve Brodie were also cautioned, together with Minsterman Lee Bullock.

Terry Dolan recalled 34-year-old Nick Richardson to the York midfield as he sought to boost the attacking options of a team who appeared shot-shy in their own back yard.

But the Minstermen were soon showing their attacking teeth in the opening minute. Graham Potter curled over an exquisite free-kick from the right, Lee Nogan's header flashing across goal.

Swansea manager Addison was back at a club where he commenced his professional playing career in September 1957 and he was delighted as his men hit back after five minutes.

York never cleared their lines from Stephen Evans's right-side corner and the borrowed Crystal Palace defender almost released Mathew Bound at the far post with his second delivery.

But the Minstermen constructed a telling raid around the half-hour.

Former Forest wide man Colin Cooper sparked the initial move down the right. Michael Proctor - on loan from Sunderland - turned Bound, but Nogan's blast was inches past.

But Swansea were ahead after 28 minutes thanks to John Williams's enterprise. The ex-York striker cut the ball back superbly for Lacey to drill in his first goal of the season from 14 yards.

Swans 'keeper Roger Freestone was seldom troubled all evening but the big Welshman was at battle stations after 48 minutes - turning away Potter's blistering free-kick.

The Minstermen's fate was sealed 16 minutes from time. Substitute Brodie got a vital touch and Sidibe breezed through to stab past a stranded Alan Fettis.

It was plain sailing for Swansea but then came Lacey's late dismissal. York City: Fettis, Potter, Cooper, Hobson (Maley 78), Brass, Bullock, Nogan, Proctor, Smith (Darlow 73), Richardson (Edmondson 57), Hocking. Subs not used: Wood, Collinson.

Swansea City: Freestone, Sharp (Todd

78), Cusack, S Evans, T Evans, Coates (Phillips 62), Sidibe, Smith, Lacey, Bound, Williams (Brodie 62). Subs not used: Jones, Watkin.

SWANSEA City boss Colin Addison is aiming to haul his players back from FA Cup heaven in time for tonight's tricky league trip to York City (7.45pm).

The cup demolition of QPR was a welcome lift after the hell of recent weeks at Vetch Field.

But tonight Swansea return to the real business of climbing the Third Division table and Addison is keen to avoid returning to earth with a bang.

"We don't want an FA Cup hangover and it's up to me and Peter Nicholas to make sure there isn't one," said Addison.

"We must not get carried away. We just need to keep our feet on the ground and look to build on the cup success by winning our next game."

The drubbing handed out to Second Division opponents has lifted expectations among Swansea fans.

The question now is whether Addison's men can reproduce their FA Cup magic on a cold night in North Yorkshire.

"It was an excellent performance — the best since we've been here — and I'm delighted for everybody involved," added Addison.

"We aimed to follow on from the Torquay win and we did just that with a magnificent display.

"Now we've got to try to make it four unbeaten. That's the challenge.

"There were a lot of good performances individually and collectively and we'll be looking for more of the same tonight."

One of Sunday night's biggest stars was Kris O'Leary, who was at his forceful best on his return to the centre of defence.

Unfortunately, O'Leary misses tonight's game because of the funeral of Port Talbot steel blast victim Stephen Galsworthy, which was due to be held today.

Stephen was a very close friend of Swansea's Port Talbot-born central defender.

"Kris told me about it and I did not have to think about releasing him," said Addison. "I didn't single anyone out after the QPR game, but if I had to pick one it would be him.

"There was a minute's silence and a great deal of emotion around the place and he was fantastic."

On a happier note, tonight's game will be an emotional occasion for the manager himself. Addison began his playing career at York in 1957. He said: "It's always nice for me to go back to Bootham Crescent because I've got a lot of fond memories."

Swansea will be boosted by new signing Steve Brodie, who will be part of the squad for the first time. John Williams picked up a knock in the cup but should also be available.

Meanwhile, Michael Keegan has returned to the Vetch following a two-week trial at Kidderminster. Harriers manager Jan Molby said he would consider a move for the winger at the end of the season, when his squad is smaller.

The Swansea City Supporters' Trust will hold its first annual meeting at the Patti Pavilion tomorrow night (7.30pm). All are welcome.



The lineups

York:
from Fettis, Maley, Hobson, Smith, Hocking, Potter, Cooper, Brass, Bullock, Nogan, Proctor, Edmondson, Collinson, Thompson, Darlow, Richardson, Wood, Stamp, Fox.

Swansea
(probable): Freestone, S. Evans, T. Evans, Bound, Smith, Sharp, Coates, Cusack, Lacey, Sidibe, Williams. Subs: Jones, Watkin, Brodie, Todd, Phillips.

FORMER Swansea City manager John Hollins says he is prepared to wait over his compensation claim following his Vetch Field sacking on September 12.

Hollins had two years to run on his three-year contract with the club when former chairman Mike Lewis showed him the door along with his assistant Alan Curtis.

The former Chelsea and Arsenal midfielder is owed around £200,000 by the club but is thought to have been offered a little over £40,000.

Hollins returned to the Vetch on Sunday as part of the Sky Sports commentary team for Swansea's first-round FA Cup tie with QPR, another one of his former clubs.

And he spoke for the first time since his departure after watching his old charges wrap up the spectacular 4-0 win. "We are not close to a settlement," he said.

"But I am very a patient man and I am prepared to wait. Maybe now that there are new owners something can be sorted out soon.

"I will have to wait and see what happens but these things take time."

Hollins said that despite his sacking he had no hard feelings towards his former employers.

He is still looking for a way back into the game at management level but says in the meantime he is keeping himself busy.

"I am not bitter," he said.

"Football is a funny business and these things happen. Alan Curtis and I spent three fantastic years at Swansea and I like to think that people liked what we did during that time.

"I enjoyed every year that I was at the club.

"I was employed at Swansea for the football side of things and worked to budgets.

"We had a budget and kept to it to the letter. The only thing I would say about the off the field side of things is why didn't anyone put investment into the club to keep it in the second division."

Since leaving the Vetch, Hollins has been linked with a few managerial posts including Brighton but he has not been given the final call.

Despite that, he has kept himself busy inside the game.

"Clubs are tending to employ new managers from inside the club when another goes," he said. "That seems to be the way now. But I have been doing a little scouting work and watched Jason Price while he was at Brentford a few times.

"Of course I would love to get back as a manager. That is why I have to keep in touch with things."

He said that nothing seemed to have changed on the pitch since his leaving and backed his former charges to pull away from trouble.

"In the first six games the record of two wins, two draws and two defeats was not bad," he said.

"There were a lot worse around. And there were a lot of other distractions around.

"But with the players coming back Swansea looked a solid outfit and there is no way they would ever go out of the league."

SWANSEA City physio Richie Evans once described Damian Lacey's feet as the worst in football.

The problem is they are flat, and the 24-year-old midfield man has suffered throughout his career as a result. But the size sevens were in good working order during Swansea's demolition of QPR on Sunday night.

The FA Cup thriller was Lacey's first start since April 10 thanks to his latest lay-off, which saw him go under the knife back in August.The Ogwr-born player came through 90 minutes with flying colours and, thankfully, suffered no adverse reaction.

"I have not had any problem as yet, touch wood," he said.

Lacey is reluctant to get carried away and it's easy to see why. He is yet to clock up 100 Swans appearances despite making his first-team debut way back in August 1996.

"It has troubled me all along — practically every season since I was an apprentice really.

"I've seen numerous specialists and had operations over the years. Everything's going fine at the moment and I've just got to look after them.

"Hopefully now it is sorted, but I won't know for a couple of months."

Lacey's latest comeback began with a brief run out as a substitute at Luton. Then came a lengthier appearance in the victory at Torquay before the FA Cup spectacular.

"I've been out for a long time and it's great to be back playing again.

"What you really miss is the day-to-day stuff, so it's good just to be back involved.

"The fact that we've got a couple of good results has made it even better because we badly needed them.

"I think the atmosphere was crucial in the QPR game. Cup games at the Vetch, especially evening kick-offs, are always special and that helps us along.

"To score four goals against a team from Division Two is a good effort. It was tremendous performance."Lacey is spot on. Swansea were at their best in front of the cameras and simply blew Rangers away.

The impressive display was built on a Swansea's first-choice back three, but every player sparkled.

"We've almost got a clean bill of health in the squad now which is important," added Lacey.

"I think if it stays that way we can go and get a few good results and start to climb the table.

"We'll aim to pick up something at York tonight and then we've got another home game coming up on Friday, so this is a big week which could be a turning point. We are only two or three wins away from the play-off spots so we just need a little run and things will look a lot better.

"Hopefully I can stay fit for a while and play a part in it."

York boss Terry Dolan is likely to be without the services of on-loan defender Mark Maley for the clash with Swansea at Bootham Crescent.

The Sunderland player sustained a knee injury during the goalless draw with Colchester in the FA Cup first round tie on Saturday. Even if he does recover in time, he will miss Friday's clash with Mansfield through suspension.

Darren Edmondson may return after missing out against the Us with a groin injury and any other changes will be dependent on the formation Dolan decides to adopt.

Swansea defender Kristian O'Leary will not travel to York as he will attend the funeral of a friend killed in the steelworks explosion in Port Talbot.

O'Leary produced an assured performance as the Swans destroyed QPR in the FA Cup first round but centre-back Neil Sharp returns after being cup-tied. On-loan striker Nathan Tyson has gone back to Reading after rejecting an offer which would have kept him at Vetch Field until the end of the season.

But Steve Brodie will come into the squad for the first time since his transfer from Scarborough.

COLIN Addison called for more consistency from his players despite their thumping win over second division Queens Park Rangers.

The Swansea manager, although delighted with the overall performance, said it was now time to put a run together —both in the cup and the league.

"I said we needed to stick a run together," said Addison.

"We haven't played too badly but we just lack that one ingredient at the moment — consistency.

"We have gone three games unbeaten now and although this was the FA Cup it's smashing to go through to the next round. That word consistency is important."

Addison, looking ahead to a busy week and the next round, either atMacclesfield or Forest Green who replay next week, said: "We have to focus on the York game tomorrow.

"The celebrations will have had to have been cut short because we know we have to get on the bus tomorrow.

"Forest Green (Gloucestershire) will be nice in the next round as it is almost like a home game for us.

"But whoever it is, we will be ready. The league is the important thing now.

"We have York on Tuesday night and then play Hartlepool on Friday. It is a very busy and important week.

"We have been able to concentrate on football in the past two games and let's hope it continues. We have to be professional and continue our good run."

Meanwhile, former manager John Hollins, an analyst with Sky Sports for last night's game, looked on as two of his signings turned on the style.

Hollins, a pitchside reporter for the FA Cup spectacular, said Mamady Sidibe and John Williams put in outstanding performances.

"It was a familiar sight for me actually," he said.

"The side looked strong, solid and are scoring goals again.

"The two front men caused problems all night and overall they were just too strong all over the field.

"To be honest in the first six games of the season, two wins, two draws and two defeats wasn't a bad record, there were a lot worse than that around.

"I knew that with a few players coming back from injury that it would come together and so it proved."

Swansea City .......................... 4
Queens Park Rangers .................... 0

Swansea:
Freestone, Cusack, Bound, Coates (Phillips 76), T Evans, S Evans, Smith, Sidibe, Williams (Watkin 85), Lacey, O'Leary. Subs not used: Jones, Mazzina, Todd.

QPR:
Digby, Perry (Bruce 58), Palmer, Plummer, Conolly, Bignot, Forbes, Griffiths (Pacquette 75), Warren (Burgess 58), Bonnot, Doudou. Subs not used: Wardley, Bull.

Referee: Andy Hall (Birmingham)

Bookings: Doudou 35, Plummer 42, S Evans 66, Phillips 77

Attendance: 4,784

JOHN Hollins returned to Vetch Field last night to see his former charges pull off one of the results of the FA Cup first round.

The ex-Swansea City boss must have experienced mixed emotions as the club he left two months ago demolished Queens Park Rangers, another of his previous employers.

But he no doubt allowed himself a couple of wry smiles as two men he signed shortly before his departure, Mamady Sidibe and John Williams, ripped their Second Division opponents apart.

A feeling of what might have been probably dominated, though, as Kristian O'leary, Jason Smith and Matthew Bound formed an impregnable wall in front of Roger Freestone's goal.

For Hollins planned to build his assault on the Second Division - the failure of which effectively brought his downfall - around the defensive trio.

Thanks to injury and suspension, only on a handful of occasions did the imposing threesome play together as Swansea slumped to relegation last season.

The last time they did, notably, Hollins's side achieved their best result of that miserable campaign.

On March 7, O'Leary, Smith and Bound led from the back in the remarkable 2-1 success at Stoke.

Reunited last night, it was no coincidence that Swansea produced their finest performance of this season so far.

Freestone enjoyed a fairly relaxed Sunday evening as the three pillars of the home defence repelled everything the men from the higher division could throw at them.

O'Leary, in particular, was outstanding. Having missed three games through suspension and injury, the 24-year-old returned to complete Colin Addison's defensive jigsaw.

The significance of the three senior men's presence to Swansea's hopes this season is huge.

"We were very, very solid at the back," said glowing skipper Nick Cusack afterwards.

"Every time their strikers received the ball they (O'Leary, Smith and Bound) were tight on them, making tackles and winning headers.

"They had a mammoth game for us at the back, all three of them.

"I have always maintained that with Jason Smith back and Kris O'Leary and Boundy we have got a strong side."

From security at the back came success everywhere else.

QPR, FA Cup finalists as recently as 1982, are a club in dire straits. Long gone are the halcyon days of the early 1990s when Les Ferdinand could be seen streaking away to put the Hoops ahead on Match of the Day every Saturday night.

Nevertheless, Rangers reside in Division Two and were favourites to win through to a second-round tie away at Macclesfield or Forest Green.

But once Williams had rounded off a superb move to put Swansea in front after just six minutes, the Londoners were totally outplayed.

The atmosphere produced by Swansea's second biggest gate of the season was a fine advert in front of the Sky cameras even before the opening goal.

After Damian Lacey started a sweet break which ended with Sidibe supplying Williams, the noise levels lifted another notch.

When the second goal came before the interval it was party time.

Williams turned provider, flicking on Terry Evans's throw-in for Cusack to stab home from 12 yards.

It might have been 3-0 at the break but for Karl Connolly's sprawling goal-line clearance from Smith's diving header.

Addison's only fear at that stage would have been his side's tendency to fade in the second-half of matches this season.

There was no need to panic. The pulsating entertainment continued, with everything coming from the home side save Paul Bruce's near miss from a free-kick.

O'Leary's exertions saw him end up in the North Bank, while the momentum from a Sidibe gallop took him halfway up the Centre Stand.

After his brace at Torquay last weekend, the 6ft 4in Frenchman had set his sights on an FA Cup goal and it duly came to settle the contest.

Williams, who had gone close himself minutes earlier, lifted a neat ball over the top from inside his own half.

Sidibe, who caused havoc nearly every time the ball came near him, had already ruined QPR centre-back Steve Palmer's FA Cup night.

He put the tin lid on it by leaving the 33-year-old for dead before lobbing the ball over the advancing Fraser Digby and smashing it into the empty net.

The response from the Vetch faithful was a chorus of Bread of Heaven — perhaps the Millennium Stadium's missing singers have been found.

Many of the disconsolate visiting fans were halfway to Cardiff by the time Steve Watkin, a late substitute for Williams, swept home Terry Evans's cross to round off a memorable night.

"It just shows what we can do when we get a full side out," beamed Cusack. "We had experienced players back in key positions and now we've got a bit of competition.

"People are looking over their shoulders about their shirts and that's the way it should be.

"It augurs well but we've got to build on this result. With the guys who have done it and know all about it back I am sure we can move up that table."

Even after a glorious FA Cup win, Cusack is thinking about Swansea's not-so-glorious league position.

More displays like this, starting at York tomorrow, and there will be no need to worry.

SWANSEA City manager Colin Addison revelled in another night of cup giant-killing glory last night after the thumping of QPR.

Addison was glowing in his praise of all his players after they turned in a five-star performance to upset the odds with a magnificent 4-0 first-round win.

The former Hereford manager had already watched his old club pull off another shock at home to Wrexham earlier in the day but his Swansea players upstaged that with another magnificent showing in front of the Sky TVcameras.

"I am delighted for the players, the staff, supporters and everybody involved with the club," he said.

"We were absolutely magnificent and we are getting there slowly. We showed tonight that we could play, that we have some very good players and we can score some goals.

"Peter Nicholas and I called for a positive start and that's what we got.

"Both of us knew it was important to get our football going early and start to turn them round and that's what we did."

Addison was full of praise for his team, allowing all at the club to put the off-field dramas to the back of their minds, if only for one night.

"It was a great team performance and it was difficult to single anybody out," he said.

"There were a lot of good individual performances. Mamady Sidibe and John Williams ran them ragged at the back, but if you are going to be successful it's team performances that will see you through."

Meanwhile striker Nathan Tyson has left Swansea and returned to Reading despite having another week to run on his loan spell at the Vetch.

The 19-year-old speed merchant departs after rejecting the chance to stay for the rest of the season last week.

Addison is thought to have seen little point in keeping Tyson for another seven days with no prospect of him extending his deal.

Addison was delighted that the week's training, including three days at the Vale of Glamorgan Hotel, had paid off after seeing four goals go in without reply.

"We worked all week in front of goal and on the positive side of the game," he said.

"I am so glad it came off tonight.

"We have had to work hard to keep the players focused on the football with all that has been going on off the field but they were focused in this game and were absolutely magnificent.

"The supporters were magnificent too. These have been troubled times and I would like to thank them all once again for their fantastic support.

"I enjoy the FA Cup, hopefully Mr Motson will come and see us next time."


SECOND ROUND DRAW
Leyton Orient v Lincoln or Bury, Scunthorpe v Brentford, Canvey Island v Northampton, Whitby or Plymouth v Aldershot or Bristol Rovers, Tranmere v Barnet or Carlisle, Wycombe v Cambridge Utd or Notts County, Colchester or York v Reading, Exeter v Dagenham and Redbridge, Bedford or Peterbrough v Bournemouth, Swindon v Hereford, Altrincham or Lancaster v Darlington, Hinckley v Cheltenham, Mansfield v Huddersfield, Chesterfield v Southend, Hull v Oldham or Barrrow, Cardiff v Port Vale, Blackpool or Newport County v Tamworth or Rochdale, Macclesfield or Forest Green v Swansea CITY , Brighton v Rushden & Diamonds, Halifax v Stoke.

Ties to be played December 7/8/9.

Two goals in either half for Swansea condemned Rangers to their first exit from the first round of the FA Cup since 1966. The Sky jinx continued as Rangers crashed out of the first round of a cup competition for the third time this season.

Rangers had started the brighter in the very early opening exchanges, with Doudou shooting wide after 2 minutes from 20 yards. The Frenchman also nearly fed Marcus Bignot steaming forward down the middle after 4 minutes.

However a sharp break down the Rangers right from Coates created space for Swansea after 5 minutes. Steve Palmer moved out of the middle to snuff out the danger, but before he could do so the ball was crossed into the middle to Swansea striker Sidibe who found himself in plenty of room in the Rangers box. He side-stepped onrushing Rangers 'keeper Fraser Digby and fed the ball to ex-Coventry man John Williams who only had to tap home from 6 yards to open the scoring.

Just on the 12 minute mark a good cross from Christer Warren saw Karl Connolly head narrowly over the bar. Rangers began to put Swansea under a certain amount of pressure after this but had nothing to show for their efforts. Rangers threatened Swansea twice in the space of 5 minutes down the middle. First Doudou broke through but before he could bring the ball under control Swansea cleared for a corner. Just 2 minutes later it was Marcus Bignot storming through but the clearance from the Swansea defence ricocheted off him and forced Swansea 'keeper Freestone into a sharp save.

But it was Swansea who extended their lead in the 39th minute. A long free-kick from O'Leary was flicked on by Williams for Nick Cusack who glanced a volley past Fraser Digby into the corner of the Rangers net. An awkward bounce of the ball in the 43rd minute almost gifted Swansea a third, but Fraser Digby was just able to get enough on the ball to force it out. From the resulting corner a powerful Swansea header was cleared off the line by Karl Connolly who ended up entangled in the Rangers net.

Rangers had it all to do in the second half, a fact reflected in Ian Holloway's double substitution early in the second half. Rangers switched to a 3-4-3 formation with Burgess and Bruce replacing Christer Warren and Mark Perry.

Rangers began to enjoy some good periods of possession but failed to create significant chances. Paul Bruce rapped the Swansea post with a direct free-kick in the 67th minute but the ball rebounded out for a Swansea goal-kick. Rangers' luck was typified by an injury to Chris Plummer in the 77th minute. Rangers had already used all three substitutions when Richard Pacquette came on for Leroy Griffiths, so Plummer was forced to continue.

When a Rangers move broke down in the 79th minute the vulnerability of the defence was apparent. A simple ball released Sidibe who ran through from the half way line and gathered the ball ahead of Rangers 'keeper Fraser Digby. This time Sidibe himself was left to walk the ball into the Rangers net, in a similar manner to which he had created the first for Williams. Chris Plummer meanwhile tried to continue up front, but his efforts were in vain and he was soon forced to leave the pitch reducing Rangers to ten men with ten minutes still to play.

The pace of Swansea's front line continued to trouble Rangers. In the final minute Sidibe broke through the middle again. This time Paul Bruce got back to challenge and injured himself in the process. As he lay prone Sidibe fed the ball wide to the right. The cross was deflected to the far post where Watkin side-footed home to make it 4-0, adding insult to Bruce's injury.

It was Rangers' first appearance in the first round since 1966, but not one Rangers fans will be keen to remember.

Division Three side Swansea progressed to the second round of the FA Cup after a comprehensive victory over second division QPR.

The home side took the lead from a counter-attack in the sixth minute.

Nick Cusack got clear on the left and crossed, Mamady Sidibe took the ball round goalkeeper Fraser Digby.

And instead of shooting, he selflessly laid it off to John Williams who converted an easy chance.

Six minutes before the break, the Welsh side extended their advantage when Williams turned provider for Cusack to score.

QPR kept themselves in the match when Karl Connolly cleared Jason Smith's header off the line.

In the second half, Swansea were content to sit back and try to hit Rangers on the break as Ian Holloway's side chased the game without any real conviction.

Their plan worked to great effect as 10 minutes from time Sidibe ran on to a hopeful punt upfield, nipped in front of Digby and gleefully walked the ball home.

Substitute Steve Watkin, who helped Wrexham to one of the FA Cup's biggest shocks when they beat Arsenal in 1992, completed the rout with a close-range strike to round off a famous victory.

Swansea: Freestone, Terry Evans, Bound, Smith, Steve Evans, O'Leary, Cusack, Coates, Lacey, Sidibe, Williams. Subs: Jones, Watkin, Mazzina, Todd, Phillips.

QPR: Digby, Forbes, Warren, Palmer, Plummer, Perry, Connolly, Bignot, Bonnot, Griffiths, Dodou. Subs: Bruce, Wardley, Bull, Paquette, Burgess.

Referee: A Hall (Birmingham).