Macclesfield boss David Moss' hopes of bringing in fresh faces for their FA Cup second round clash with Swansea have been thwarted. The Silkmen have managed to bring in Paul Harries, a 24-year-old Australian striker on a non-contract basis.

But he will not be able to be involved for the Silkmen before next Wednesday's reserve game with Kidderminster.

Crewe defender Steve Macauley will not join the club in time to take part in the clash with Swansea - he will complete a loan move on Monday. The only definite absentee for Moss will be striker Kyle Lightbourne, who is still not quite over his ankle ligament problem.

Fellow frontman Damien Whitehead has the flu, but is likely to well enough to take on the Welsh side.

Enforced changes

Swansea boss Colin Addison will be forced to make several changes to his defence ahead of the game. Kristian O'Leary and Damien Lacey will be forced to watch the game from the sidelines as they both start three-match suspensions.

Jason Smith will be missing as he prepares to undergo an operation on a troublesome ankle problem which will keep him out of action for about six weeks.

Neil Sharp is cup-tied, but Nicolas Mazzina and David Romo will travel with the squad along with 16-year-old Richard Duffy.

Cusack set for switch

Nick Cusack is ready to switch from midfield Swansea City are likely to move skipper Nick Cusack to central defence for Saturday's FA Cup second round clash with Macclesfield.

The Swans will be without Kristian O'Leary (suspended), Jason Smith (injured) and Neil Sharp (cup-tied) for the trip, and Cusack could step back from midfield to fill one of the gaps.

Chris Todd will also return to the starting line-up, and he is delighted to be back in contention. "It is a great opportunity for me to get back in the side, and I am looking forward to the game," he said.

"There's plenty of competition, and when you have a chance you have to take it." With Damien Lacey also banned, youngster Gareth Phillips is expected to earn a place in midfield and 16-year-old central defender Richard Duffy will travel north with the squad.

Swansea will be looking for a win double at Macclesfield, having won at Moss Rose in their first game of the season.

SWANSEA City boss Colin Addison has turned to a 16-year-old to solve his defensive problems ahead of tomorrow's crunch FA Cup clash with Macclesfield (3pm).

Vetch Field youth player Richard Duffy travelled north with the senior squad this morning and looks set for a place on the substitutes' bench at Moss Rose.

Brynhyfryd-product Duffy, a Pentrehafod School pupil just six months ago, has played twice this season for the Welsh Under-17s.

Whether, at 5ft 9in and 10st 5lb, the highly-rated trainee is ready for Swansea's first-team remains to be seen.

Duffy's inclusion is a measure of Addison's personnel predicament before the biggest game of the season so far.

No fewer than four central-defenders are missing — Kristian O'Leary (suspended), Neil Sharp (cup-tied) and Jason Smith and Steve Healey (both injured).

Midfielder Damian Lacey is also banned, forcing Addison to call forgotten Frenchman David Romo and Argentine Nicolas Mazzina in from the cold.

"We've had to make changes because we've got injuries and we've got problems," he said.

"It is unfortunate that they have all come together, but these things are sent to test us.

"That's football and that's the way it is. We've made our adjustments and we've just got to get on with it.

"We will see if we are happy with the replacements at 4.45 tomorrow afternoon."

One bit of good news for Swansea is the availability of French striker Mamady Sidibe as they seek a third round spot and a possible money-spinning tie against a Premiership club.

"Everybody wants to go into the hat with the big clubs," added Addison.

"There is something special about the glamour of the FA Cup and then of course there is the financial side."

He added: "A good cup run never hurt anyone. I don't buy into the distraction theory. The cup breeds confidence in the league and there's definitely room for both.

"Hopefully tomorrow we can produce the type of performance we gave against Queen's Park Rangers in the first round, although we probably don't need to play as well as that.

"Saying that, we respect Macclesfield. They have just turned things round a bit and they are a more than useful side."

Macclesfield will be without one of the key figures in their recent revival tomorrow, on-loan Bolton winger Jeff Smith.

Bolton boss Sam Allardyce does not want the youngster cup-tied in the later stages of the competition.

Also missing for Macclesfield is injured Bermudan international striker Kyle Lightbourne.

Former Swansea manager John Hollins is favourite to take over at Third Division high-flyers Rochdale.

A goal would do nicely for Gareth

GARETH Phillips will be looking for a repeat performance in more ways than one when Swansea make a return visit to Moss Rose tomorrow.

The opening day of the season saw 22-year-old Phillips fire home an early opening goal as John Hollins's team grabbed an impressive 3-1 win over the Cheshire club.

That gave the Pontypridd-born midfielder the perfect start to another season where he was looking to cement a place in the Swansea first team.

But despite the good beginning and a couple of top performances following on from that, Phillips is once more kicking his heels on the bench.

He has has 17 league and cup outings so far but since being substituted at Torquay on November 10, he has had to settle for bit-part roles as a substitute.

Now with injuries and suspensions hitting the Swansea line-up, Phillips is set for a return to the midfield battlefield he so enjoys.

"It has been frustrating," said Phillips.

"But it will be nice to back in the side, if chosen, especially as it's the FA Cup. I am not guaranteed a place so I will just have to wait and see but if I get the chance I will try to take it with both hands.

"It's never easy sitting on the bench but if selected I will do my best to hang on to my place again."

Although Swansea have already beaten Macclesfield at Moss Rose this season, Phillips said it should not have too much bearing on tomorrow's outcome.

"It's the FA Cup and it's a one-off game," he said.

"It could go either way on the day. We have a bit of an advantage because of the win earlier in the season but it won't hold that much sway.

"We played well on that day and got the first goal in the opening five minutes which helped.

"Big Mama (Sidibe) played well that day, he had a stormer, hopefully he can do the same tomorrow and help us through to the third round."

Phillips says a win against Macclesfield could be the catalyst for another run of good results for the team. "A win would give us all confidence again," he said.

"We have lost a couple lately after a good run. A run in the cup would really help us not only financially but on the pitch as well."

All players dream of drawing a big club in the FA Cup third round and Phillips is no exception.

And he would be doubly delighted if he could score one of the goals that takes Swansea through to the next round and a possible glamour tie against one of the big boys.

"That's the draw that everyone wants," he said.

"A home tie at the Vetch against a Premiership club would suit everyone down to the ground and would be a reward for the fans.

"Obviously I would love to score at Macclesfield again, especially in the FA Cup.

"But I have to get a starting position first. Let's take one step at a time!"

The Swans defensive ranks are looking thin ahead of Saturday's cup clash with Neil Sharp, Kris O'Leary and Jason Smith all unavailable.

Sharp is cup-tied for the clash with Macclesfield, O'Leary is suspended, whilst Smith faces an ankle operation next week, although should Colin Addison feel it necessary, Smith could be drafted in to help out.

In addition midfielder Damien Lacey is banned for the trip to Moss Rose, making it less likely that skipper Nick Cusack could drop back from midfield to provide cover at the back.

Hollins linked with Dale vacancy

John Hollins is the latest name to be linked with the vacant managerial post at Rochdale, although it is highly unlikely he will be appointed.

The former Swansea boss, who left The Vetch earlier this season, is one of a number of names said to be interested in replacing Steve Parkin at Dale. However, the board of directors are understood to be on the look out for a young manager in a similar mould to Parkin, who will continue his impressive work behind the scenes, most notably with the youth set up.

Caretaker boss Dave Hamilton, who was instrumental in setting up the youth side of the club, is favoured by a number of the decision makers at Spotland - although Parkin is believed to be keen on taking Hamilton to Oakwell as part of his coaching team.

Hamilton faces competition from former Oldham boss Andy Ritchie and ex-Darlington manager David Hodgson for the post. It remains to be seen whether Hollins is a realistic contender for the job.

Fans Trust want Petty out

The Swansea City Supporters Trust have called on owner Tony Petty to leave the club despite his court victory over ex-Vetch director Mel Nurse. They say he should give it to the fans - 'the people who care' - either as a gift or at a nominal fee, given that he only bought it for £1.

The Trust have released a statement to that effect and say they doubt Mr Petty's ability to plough funds into the team, meaning he'll have to sell key players.

They say they can't negotiate with Mr Petty, despite his current offer of 10,000 shares to all season ticket holders.

Romo search continues

Transfer-listed French midfielder David Romo is no longer training with the club as he looks to secure a move away from The Vetch. Meanwhile, wide man Michael Keegan has returned to South Wales after a three-week trial at Kidderminster Harriers.

Youth director handed FA charge

Swans director of youth development Paul Compton has been fined by the Welsh FA for bringing the game into disrepute. He was fined £250 and handed a three-game touchline ban following an incident in August's Under-17 clash with Plymouth Argyle.

SWANSEA City centre-back Chris Todd takes the FA Cup stage this weekend aiming to show manager Colin Addison just what he can do.

A rush of defensive problems means the 20-year-old defender is in line for a first start in six games at Macclesfield on Saturday.

And Todd is determined to use his FA Cup debut to regain his place in the first team on merit.

"There's a lot of competition in defence now, so it will be an opportunity to get back in the team and, if I perform well enough, to keep my place," said Todd, who played in the 3-1 win at Moss Rose on the opening day of the season.

"We've got a big squad now with plenty of competition so whoever comes into the team doesn't want to give up their shirt."

Since making his debut at the back-end of last season and commanding a regular place this year, Todd has slipped down the pecking order behind Jason Smith, Matthew Bound, Kris O'Leary and recent signing Neil Sharp.

But with O'Leary suspended, Sharp cup-tied and Smith missing the trip with an ankle injury, Todd is set to play alongside Bound and possibly skipper Nick Cusack in a makeshift back-three.

And having kicked his heels for all but 11 minutes since the 3-0 drubbing at Luton back in October, he is raring to go.

"I've had a good break but I've trained hard and my strength and stamina levels are improving," he added.

"Now I need a good run in the side again to get back into the swing of things. I've never played in the FA Cup so I'm looking forward to it if I get the chance.

"It's a big game for the club. If we win we're in the third round and looking to get a draw against one of the big sides. There would be a huge financial benefit for the club which would be great."

Striker Mamady Sidibe is also expected to play at Macclesfield despite strong speculation that he is about to leave Swansea.

Barnsley still looks his most likely destination, while Richie Appleby could finally tie up a move to Kidderminster today.

SWANSEA City midfielder Richard Appleby is close to completing a free transfer to Kidderminster.

The 26-year-old, who joined the Swans in 1996 when Harriers manager Jan Molby was in charge at the Vetch, has spent a month on loan at Aggborough and will make the move permanent by the end of the week if he can agree terms.

Appleby suffered two miserable years under John Hollins - he made only five appearances last season - but came in from the cold when Colin Addison took over.

However, the former Newcastle United midfielder suffered a further setback when he was transfer-listed by chairman Tony Petty in October.

Meanwhile, 20-year-old winger Michael Keegan has returned after a three-week trial at Kidderminster.

SWANSEA City must dip into their reserves at Macclesfield Town this Saturday in a bid to keep their FA Cup dreams afloat.

Just three days before the biggest game of the season so far, a spate of personnel problems has left manager Colin Addison with something of a defensive crisis on his hands.

Jason Smith's ongoing ankle problems which need another operation next week mean Swansea could be without three central defenders at Moss Rose.

Kristian O'Leary is definitely out as he starts a three-game suspension following his red card against Hartlepool.

Neil Sharp is also certain to miss the second-round tie having played in the earlier stages of the competition for Merthyr.

If Smith is ruled out, Addison will be left with only two recognised centre-backs in Matthew Bound and Chris Todd, who has not started for six matches.

Skipper Nick Cusack could be drafted in as emergency cover, but Addison will be hoping he can squeeze 90 more minutes out of 27-year-old Smith before he has an operation next week which will rule him out until the New Year.

Losing Cusack from midfield would present further complications as Damian Lacey also begins a three-match ban this weekend.

Another man not in contention this weekend is Lee Jenkins, though there is better news of the 22-year-old right wing-back.

Jenkins has been laid up with ankle ligament problems since Rochdale's visit to Vetch Field back on October 9, but is hoping to give Addison a festive boost by returning over Christmas.

And with four Third Division matches packed into 11 days from December 21, the availability of Jenkins, an ever-present this season before his injury, would be a timely bonus.

"I don't like to make predictions, but there's a busy period of games coming up over Christmas and if all goes well, I would like to think I may be able to play a part," he said.

"I did quite a bit of work last week with Richard Evans (physio) on building up ankle strength with a football.

"It was nice to be kicking a ball again and it helps strengthen the muscles, but there's a lot more work to be done.

"I've been concentrating on building up strength, through cycling and running, and it's gone well.

"My running so far has been in a straight line and I need to work on twisting and turning now."

Jenkins, a midfielder until John Hollins converted him to defence this summer, was one of Swansea's most consistent performers before injury struck.

The battle to regain his place from Terry Evans, the man signed to cover his injury, promises to be an interesting one.

One player he will not be up against is first-team outcast David Romo.

The right-sided Frenchman has stopped training with the rest of the squad as he continues his search for a new club.

Michael Keegan is back with Swansea after an unsuccessful trial at Kidderminster.

Richie Appleby, whose loan spell with the Midlands club is up this weekend, is poised to secure a permanent move to Aggborough.

Seats are available on the Amman Sports Tours trip to Macclesfield, priced £15. For details call 01269 826652 or 07855 380499.

PREMIERSHIP Leicester City have dismissed suggestions that they are interested in signing Swansea City striker Mamady Sidibe.

And First Division Stockport seem unlikely to match Barnsley's £190,000 offer for the big Frenchman despite his proposed move to Yorkshire hitting a snag.

Sidibe trained with his Swansea City team-mates at the Vale of Glamorgan Hotel today after talks with Oakwell boss Steve Parkin collapsed yesterday.

The 21-year-old's return to Wales would seem to open the way for raids from the other clubs linked with Sidibe by Swansea chairman Tony Petty.

But after signing targetman Brian Deane from Middlesbrough last week for under £100,000, Leicester manager Dave Bassett has rejected talk of a move for Swansea's top scorer.

"I have heard of Sidibe but that's about it. We have got no interest," said the former Wimbledon boss.

Stockport are in the market for a striker as they fight to move off the foot of the table. But new Edgeley Park boss Carlton Palmer has limited funds available to spend on new players particularly after Kevin Ellison arrived from Leicester for £50,000 last week.

Sidibe's agent returned to France last night, suggesting that no transfer is imminent.

The 6ft 4in frontman's move to Barnsley may still be rekindled, though.

"I spoke to the lad and had a good chat with him, but we are going to watch two or three strikers this week," explained Parkin, who saw Sidibe at Vetch Field when was manager of Rochdale earlier this season. "We still want to bring one in but we have to make sure it is the right one."

According to Barnsley chairman John Dennis, no deal was struck yesterday because of a disagreement over personal terms and a conflict between Sidibe and Swansea.

Middlesbrough and Queen's Park Rangers have also been linked with the six-goal centre-forward.

Meanwhile, tickets for Saturday's FA Cup second round meeting with Macclesfield at Moss Rose will only be available on the turnstiles.

Swansea have been allocated a 1,500-capacity terrace and 400 seats, with a special family ticket priced £14 for one adult and one child plus £3 for each other child.

Swans man fined on disrepute charge

SWANSEA City's centre of excellence director Paul Compton has been charged with bringing the game into disrepute.

A Football of Wales spokesman confirmed Compton was fined £250 plus costs and received a three-match touchline ban which started on November 24 following an FAW disciplinary hearing.

The charge was proved, the spokesman said, and arose from an incident during a Swansea Under-17s match on August 25 at Plymouth.

SWANSEA CITY supporters breathed a sigh of relief last night as striker Mamady Sidibe's £190,000 move to Barnsley appeared to be off.

The 21-year-old Frenchman watched the First Division club's 3-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday on Sunday evening and spent yesterday discussing a possible switch to Oakwell.

But Sidibe, who has bagged six goals for the Swans this season, last night travelled back to Swansea after the deal hit a snag - thought to centre on a disagreement over personal terms.

And new Barnsley manager Steve Parkin said the club was looking at a number of other players this week.

"I spoke to the lad (Sidibe), and had a good chat with him but we are going to watch two or three strikers this week," Parkin told the club's official website.

The Reds have Mike Sheron - who scored twice against Wednesday - and Bruce Dyer in form but are keen to bolster their strike force as they battle against relegation.

"We do still want to bring another one in, but we have to make sure it is the right one," added Parkin.

Sidibe arrived at the Vetch on a free transfer from French Third Division outfit CA Paris in the summer and has scored six times in 13 starts for the Swans.

He will train as normal with the Third Division club today and his agent has returned to France after spending yesterday at Oakwell.

However, there have been approaches from other clubs and Premiership sides Leicester City and Middlesbrough sent scouts to watch the Mali-born striker play at Mansfield Town on Saturday.

And with Swans chairman Tony Petty willing to let Sidibe go - only six weeks after star player Stuart Roberts was sold to Wycombe for a cut-price £100,000 - it could simply be a matter of time before another offer is made for the Frenchman.

Meanwhile, defender Lee Jenkins has his sights set on a comeback over the Christmas period.

The 22-year-old had been ever-present in the Swans side until he was carried off late in the game against Rochdale on October 9, suffering ankle ligament damage.

"I don't like to make a prediction, but there's a busy period of games coming up over Christmas," he told the club's official website.

"If all goes well, I would like to think that I may be able to play a part in it."

BARNSLEY are in pole position to sign Mamady Sidibe after the Swansea City striker watched the First Division side in action last night.

The big Frenchman was at Oakwell to watch the Tykes' 3-0 win over Yorkshire rivals Sheffield Wednesday and could tie up a £190,000 move this week.

Negotiations are continuing, though, and Barnsley, stuggling near the foot of the First Division, could face some competition for Sidibe's signature.

Premiership Leicester have shown an interest along with Queen's Park Rangers and Stockport, while Middlesbrough had Sidibe watched on Saturday.

Sidibe's departure will be a hammer blow to Colin Addison, who will lose his top scorer for the second time this season after Stuart Roberts's cut-price £100,000 switch to Wycombe six weeks ago.

And the Swansea boss is understood to have clashed with controversial chairman Tony Petty over the Sidibe fee, claiming the Swansea could get far more for the 21-year-old frontman.

The timing of the transfer — just days before the FA Cup second round — is also thought to have upset Addison.

But Petty is in desperate need of a cash injection to cover the Vetch Field wage bill.

And despite the club's official website stating two offers for Sidibe had been rejected last Friday, the Australia-based businessman is set to let another of Swansea's key players leave for a sum below his true value.

In front of a number of scouts at Mansfield on Saturday, Sidibe failed to shine in a lacklustre Swansea display.

A brace from the game's most exciting striker, Mansfield's Chris Greenacre, plus a late strike from Matthew Piper condemned Addison's men to a miserable 3-0 defeat.

"I thought we started the game quite well but the game was turned on its head by the first two goals," said Addison.

"We defended very, very poorly for both. I was not happy with Jason Smith or Matthew Bound.

"But over the 90 minutes there were no excuses and we can have no complaints. They are an excellent side and were well worth the win.

"Credit it to Mansfield. They're very talented and might just go all the way this season."

Despite the humbling defeat, Addison remained in positive mood ahead of Saturday's FA Cup tie at fellow Third Division strugglers Macclesfield.

"We were beaten by a better side, but there's no throwing cups. We've got to learn from this defeat and we will," he added.

"We did not play as well as we have in recent weeks and when we lose games we are down a little bit, but it was not that bad and we aren't on the floor. We'll pick ourselves up for the cup."

MANSFIELD striker Chris Greenacre is surprised to see Swansea struggling in the bottom half of the Third Division.

The 23-year-old former Manchester City man grabbed two goals in the impressive 3-0 win at Field Mill and earned himself a man-of-the-match award but said it had not been a stroll in the park despite the margin of victory.

Greenacre was part of the Mansfield team which went down 1-0 the last time Swansea were the visitors two seasons ago on their way to the Third Division title.

The visitors won with a goal from Nick Cusack on that day with a similar line-up and the Mansfield man says the position they are in now is not a correct one.

"Their league position is definitely false,'' he said.

"You don't get relegated out of the Second Division in to the Third and become a poor side in this division.

"They are a strong side. They have probably not had the breaks and maybe that was the case today.

"They had a couple of chances which have not quite gone in. But Swansea are one of the teams you have to beat to win this division.

"If they get on a run like Hartlepool then they can pull away. It only needs a couple of wins and you can move up the table quickly.

"It's just about consistency in this division. Every team is capable of beating the other.''

His two goals Saturday took his tally to 17 already this season and he reckons that was the biggest difference between the two sides this time around.

"It was always going to be a tough game,'' he said.

"The lads have really battled out there. They have come here trying to dominate with their size.

"Swansea are a big team, one of the biggest in the league, so we knew it would be difficult.

"They have had a couple of chances but our keeper has really not had a save to make.

"I think we were a bit more clinical and could have had a few more goals and that was the main difference.''

But saying that, Greenacre was certain that Swansea would get away from the bottom half of the table and avoid relegation.

"They were a tough and difficult side to beat today,'' he said.

"They're strong, they pass the ball well and when they need to cause problems they do.

"I don't think they will have any problems.

"Three or four wins and they are back in contention for a play-off spot again.''

Mansfield Town ............................. 3
Swansea City ....................................0

Mansfield: Pilkington, Hassell, Reddington (Pemberton 85), Robinson, Piper, Lawrence, Williamson, Disley, Corden, Greenacre, Tankard. Subs not used: Bingham, Bradley, Jervis, Asher.

Swansea: Freestone, S Evans, T Evans, Coates, Sidibe, Smith (Sharp 45), Lacey (Brodie 45), Bound, Williams (Watkin 68), Cusack, O'Leary. Subs not used: Jones, Phillips.

Bookings: Smith (foul), Watkin (foul), Tankard (foul).

Referee: Scott Mathieson (Stockport).

Attendance: 3,240.

Star choice:Nick Cusack.

ONLY two weeks ago Swansea City were revving up for an assault on the Third Division play-off places; now their concern is re-attaching the wheels.

For the mini-revival which began with a draw against Rushden & Diamonds and ended three wins later with defeat at home to Hartlepool 10 days ago is now firmly forgotten.

Swansea crashed to their third 3-0 reverse of the season at Mansfield to leave Addison once again needing to steer his side away from the bottom rather than closer to the top of the table.

And there could be few excuses at Field Mill.

Swansea had travelled to Nottinghamshire on Friday with almost a clean bill of health and were arguably at full strength on Saturday afternoon.

But the well-oiled home side ran Addison's men ragged to move up to second place.

A slick attacking display showed why Billy Dearden's men are making waves at the top of the league and could easily have brought an even greater margin of victory.

In the end, a first-half double-strike from promising young frontman Chris Greenacre — the second of which cannoned cruelly off Jason Smith's inside leg — killed off the Swans.

On-loan Leicester striker Matthew Piper's sizzler towards the end added a well-deserved coat of gloss.

Only smart keeping from Roger Freestone — one diving stop from Wayne Corden was especially eye-catching — and some wasteful finishing from Liam Lawrence saved Swansea's blushes turning a further shade of red.

"It was a disappointing game and a disappointing result for us,'' admitted Freestone afterwards.

"The second goal was a little bit unfortunate because it took a deflection, but saying that they are a good side and you can see why they're up near the top.

"Their front two both looked lively and you have to expect that.

"You have to expect good players in this league. Whatever level of football you are playing at, you have to expect good players.''

Indeed, and Swansea have some good players of their own, but in this contest they failed to show what they are capable of.

Of more concern now is the prospect of losing some of those key figures.

Mama Sidibe, in spite of a touch of showboating on Saturday, seems almost certain to be on his way out of Vetch Field as Tony Petty looks to balance the books.

Whether more will follow for financial reasons remains to be seen, but it remains a danger.

Centre-back Smith, a massive influence at his fit best, is clearly not over his ankle ligament problems and shows little sign of improvement.

Looking on the bright side, at least the 27-year-old cannot be sold if he is in the treatment room.

Defensive colleague Kris O'Leary will miss the next three matches because of suspension, as will workmanlike midfielder Damian Lacey.

Even if Addison manages to retain the backbone of his side amid the never-ending off-field turmoil, the feeling as the league season's halfway point approaches is that only a minor miracle would take Swansea close to the top of the league come April.

Looking up, leaders Plymouth are almost out of sight on 45 points — 22 more than Swans.

Down below, the gap is equally as menacing, but for its shortness, with bottom clubs Carlisle and Halifax just four points adrift.

Whatever happens in the next few weeks, only the most pessimistic Swans fan's Christmas lunch will be ruined by fears of Nationwide Conference football late in the New Year.

But what is becoming increasingly clear is that this season, Swansea simply will not be able to slug it out at the top with the Third Division's heavyweights.

Just like Plymouth in mid-September and Luton in late October, they were taken apart this weekend by a side performing at a higher level.

The only threat to the home goal came from long range, Jonathan Coates sending a couple of fizzers into the advertising hoardings in the first-half and Nick Cusack's lobbed volley forcing a smart stop from Kevin Pilkington after the break.

Bar a couple of short spells, the visitors' football was at best disappointing and at worst aimless.

A goal did not look like being created.

What must Petty have thought of it all as he watched on from the Field Mill directors' box?

His fourth trip to a Swansea match, the fourth Swansea defeat, and the fourth game without a Swansea goal.

It's lucky everything else is going so well for the chairman, or he might be in danger of losing interest in his South Wales adventure!

SWANS manager Colin Addison and chairman Tony Petty are on collision course over Mamady Sidibe's shock £190,000 move to Barnsley, expected to be finalised today.

With his Vetch club reported to be losing £700,000 per annum, Petty is banking on turning 21-year-old Sidibe into hard cash.

But the deal, which comes only six weeks after Wales Under-21 winger Stuart Roberts was shipped out to Wycombe for a knock-down £100,000, will only further fan the flames of fury from Swansea's followers.

And, according to an impeccable Vetch Field source, Addison has already launched a broadside at this latest sale.

"Colin disagrees with Petty on the matter - they've had a row," said the source.

"Addison wants to hang on to Sidibe because he's convinced his value could soar towards a million within months. He believes Mama is being sold on the cheap and thinks Robbo was, too.

"Colin was desperate to retain Sidibe for the FA Cup second round match at Macclesfield next Saturday because he feels the Frenchman could have helped Swansea make progress in the competition.

"If that had happened the club could have gained a windfall from gate receipts, merchandising and television revenue. And Mama's value might have escalated from his exposure on TV." Addison was saying little about it after seeing his side drubbed at Field Mill. "You need to speak to the chairman on this," he snapped.

"Monday morning will determine what happens."

Since taking control of

Swansea in October, controversy has been Australia-based Petty's constant companion. He tried to alter or cancel 15 playing contracts in his first week.

He followed up by selling Roberts and seven days ago finally headed off ex-Vetch director Mel Nurse's hostile take-over bid in the County Court.

But last night he was insisting the sale of Sidibe was both necessary and inevitable, declaring, "We don't want to sell the player, but needs must and the

devil drives.

"Mama's contract expires in June and we've received no indication from his agent that he was ever going to sign another.

"If he hadn't, then the whole matter could have been taken out of our hands anyway. There have been approaches from a number of clubs."

Sidibe arrived at the Vetch on a free transfer from French Third Division outfit CA Paris last June. The 21-year-old has scored six goals in 13 starts for Swans.

His recent run of four in five games has got Barnsley manager Steve Parkin preparing a £200,000 two-year contract.

But the 6ft 4in raider, who looks more like a basketball player than a soccer pro, did little to enhance his burgeoning reputation on Saturday.

Billy Dearden's Stags - six of them 21 or under - steamrollered Swansea into submission.

They were fired by a brace from Chris Greenacre and another from Matthew Piper.

Addison summed up, "Over the 90 minutes we have no excuses. We were beaten by a better side. They were well worth their win."

But the 61-year-old wasn't nearly so benevolent about his creaking defence, which was only saved from a catastrophe by 'keeper Roger Freestone's agility.

Said Addison, "I wasn't happy with the goals we conceded in the first 45 minutes. It was very poor defensively from both Matthew Bound and Jason Smith.

"We made the changes for the second half and managed to create a few chances, but their third goal killed us off."

Swansea's mini-revival has clearly hit a brick wall with this second League defeat in eight days. And as Mansfield went

second in the table, the Welshmen slumped to within four points of back-markers Halifax.

Yet the Swans started off brightly enough as Damian Lacey chipped over and Jon Coates's 40-yard rocket roared wide in the opening exchanges.

But former Manchester City predator Greenacre started the Swansea rot as he stroked the ball past Freestone after 14 minutes.

And his second goal on half-time was enough to wrap up the points as he sent a right-foot drive whistling into the net via a notable ricochet of Smith.

Addison reshuffled as Steve Brodie and Neil Sharp replaced Smith and John Williams, and it sparked a fightback.

Nick Cusack twice extended Mansfield goalkeeper Kevin Pilkington, but the Stags made absolutely certain when Piper scored with 13 minutes left.

CONTROVERSIAL Swansea City chief Tony Petty last night made a drastic bid to win over the fans by offering to give them a third of the club - FREE OF CHARGE.

His move comes just two days after the Supporters' Trust urged Petty to hand over control of the club to them following his court victory over Mel Nurse.

Petty, the most hated man in Welsh football, insists he is going a stage further by giving away free shares to Swans season ticket holders.

His move is unlikely to appease the fans, who remain vehement in their determination to force Petty out as chairman.

But Petty insists his offer, made on the club's official website, is sincere.

The move comes, however, amid speculation that striker Mamady Sidibe is about to be sold to Barnsley for £200,000, funds which could be used to help cover the club's wage bill.

Leicester have also made a last-minute enquiry for Sidibe.

There is also £200,000 outstanding in Inland Revenue and VAT bills.

Speaking about his offer to fans, Petty said: "I'm aware they want to have an input into the club.

"The Supporters' Trust, in particular, have made it clear that they want me to sell them the club.

"However, I want to go much further. I want to give the supporters a chance to have ownership in the club, and I want to do it responsibly.

"Things can go badly wrong if such a process is not handled with care.

"To this end, I am going to give away, without charge, up to a third of the club. I want this to be on an equal basis, which favours fans alike, and the best way of ensuring this equality is to hand these shares directly to Swansea City season ticket holders. I am going to give any existing season ticket holder, or anyone who buys a season ticket before January 1st, 2002, free shares.

"These shares will also give fans full voting rights.

"When divided between season ticket holders, these shares will amount to one third of the entire club."

Petty went on: "This is a unique giveaway which will not only reward loyal supporters but, I hope, generate new season ticket holders.

"Most importantly, it will give supporters a real stake in their club without any strings attached.

"A time may well come when I am not the majority shareholder. If so, I and my fellow directors will have to seek re-election to the Board as per the legal practice in company law.

"If fans are unhappy with the running of the club, they will have the power, through their block of shares, to exercise their democratic right to choose new directors."

Petty also insisted: "Since taking over, my first job has been to help stabilise the club's finances.

"We've already managed to cut the club's projected loss for this year, from £700,000 to £240,000.

"By June next year, I believe this projected loss will have actually fallen to zero.

"What we have done has been essential in order to start to begin the task of attracting new investment."

Swansea City say they have rejected two firm offers for their top scorer this season Mamady Sidibe.

The French striker has scored four goals in his last three games.

Meanwhile, captain and midfielder Nick Cusack and left-back Michael Howard are both back in the squad for the trip to Mansfield.

Cusack has recovered from a groin injury which kept him out of last Friday's game against Hartlepool, while Howard is fit again after missing the last four games with a leg injury.