Swansea keeper Roger Freestone earned his side a draw with a superb display.

York defender Richard Hope and Swansea striker Lee Trundle were sent off for grappling on the ground on 19 minutes.

Freestone denied Darren Edmonson and Lee Bullock and made a great save to keep out John Shaw's drive.

Swansea's best chance came when Andy Robinson's free-kick was clawed away by Mark Ovendale just before the break. In stoppage time Freestone kept out Bullock's shot.

York: Ovendale, Brass, Hope, Smith, Edmondson, Merris, Brackstone, Dunning, Bullock, Nogan, Shaw. Subs: Cooper, George, Porter, Stewart, Browne.

Swansea: Freestone, Duffy, Iriekpen, Tate, Howard, Durkan, Johnrose, Britton, Robinson, Nugent, Trundle. Subs: O'Leary, Thomas, Coates, Stuart Jones, Williams.

Referee: B Curson (Leicestershire)

SWANSEA CITY chairman Huw Jenkins insisted last night that the club would turn down any bid that came in for star striker Lee Trundle.

And Jenkins stressed Swans were hoping to strengthen their squad in the next few months rather than lose one of their biggest assets.

Speculation continued yesterday that one of a number of clubs could be about to swoop for Swansea's 13-goal top scorer.

Talk of a possible bid being made for Trundle was fuelled when Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp revealed he was at last week's Division Three clash at Northampton to take a first-hand look at the striker.

A clutch of First Division sides - including West Ham and Coventry - are also rumoured to be monitoring the Liverpudlian's progress.

But Jenkins insisted Trundle was definitely not for sale - and expects him to see out the remaining 18 months of his contract at the Vetch.

"Selling Lee is not something we would consider doing," said Jenkins. "We would look to turn down any offers that came in for him.

"Tempting though a big offer might be and as much as we would take a look at it, we're not in the business of selling off one of our prize assets.

"It would be counter-productive to do that. We're building for the future and Lee's an important part of that.

"Having extended Lee's contract last month, why would we consider off-loading him?

"He's contracted to Swansea until the end of the 2004-05 season and I expect him to see that out."

Trundle, 27, has been a sensation at Swansea since joining from Wrexham on an initial 12-month deal last summer.

As well as registering 13 goals in 18 league and cup appearances, Trundle has been acclaimed as one of the most entertaining players seen at the Vetch in the last two decades.

"It must be 20 years since we last had a player who attracted interest from clubs in the top divisions," said Jenkins.

Income Swansea won't turn down is that generated by a good run in this season's FA Cup.

But rather than using cup revenue to pay off debts and keep the club afloat, Jenkins said Swansea - who entertain Stevenage in the second round on December 6 - would channel it into strengthening Brian Flynn's squad.

"Getting to the third round of the competition would help us to enhance the playing staff," he said. "We don't just want to spend cup income on the day-to-day running of the club."

Meanwhile, Swans defender Izzy Iriekpen will today finally put pen to paper on a new contract.

SWANSEA CITY travel to York at the weekend with midfielder Leon Britton admitting last season's trip to Bootham Crescent was the lowest point of the campaign.

The outcome of Swansea's last encounter at York on January 18 left them staring relegation in the face, a 3-1 loss making it six defeats in a row for Brian Flynn's side.

Cast six points adrift of safety at the bottom of the Third Division, there seemed to be no way back for the Swans.

"I think that was definitely the lowest point of the season," said Britton, thrilled that Swansea return to Bootham Crescent this weekend as promotion chasers and not relegation candidates.

"I didn't join Swansea until mid-December, but it was after the defeat at York that some people were fearing the worst.

"We were six points adrift at the bottom and all the players were really down in the dressing room afterwards."

Britton's Swansea debut - a 1-0 defeat at Exeter on December 14 - was the first in that miserable sequence of six straight defeats.

"I was starting to wonder what I had let myself in for!" said the former West Ham midfielder.

"But the gaffer was really good in keeping everyone's spirits up and the York game proved to be the turning point.

"We won the next match against Lincoln and things started to pick up from there.

"The belief we still had in ourselves after the York game was crucial to us avoiding relegation."

And this time Swansea face the Minstermen just four points off the top of Division Three.

"I can't tell you how good it feels to be pushing for promotion after everything we went through last season," said 21-year-old Britton.

"There's still pressure on us to win - but it's a much nicer kind of pressure."

Meanwhile, the club have confirmed that on-loan defender Alan Tate's last Swansea game will be the home clash against Yeovil on December 28.

Swansea reserves entertain neighbours Cardiff City at The Vetch this afternoon (2pm).

MANCHESTER UNITED striker Daniel Nardiello revealed last night he turned down the chance to stay with Swansea City after being told he could not be guaranteed first-team football.

Nardiello returned to Old Trafford yesterday as team-mate Alan Tate was given the green light by United chief Sir Alex Ferguson to spend one more month on loan with the Swans.

While defender Tate is seen as a vital component in Brian Flynn's side, there were no assurances for Nardiello he would be a regular in the starting line-up if he was to spend an extra month in South Wales.

And on that basis the 21-year-old striker, who struggled to make a big impression during his time at the Vetch, chose to return to Old Trafford following Swansea's 1-0 weekend win against Darlington.

"If I'm honest, I'd rather go back to United and play for the reserves than sit on the substitutes' bench at Swansea," admitted the Wales-qualified striker.

"Don't get me wrong, I had a good time at Swansea and I'm grateful to Brian Flynn for giving me the chance to play first-team football.

"But I made the decision not to stay for another month based on the fact Brian couldn't promise I would be playing.

"With the three other strikers (Lee Trundle, James Thomas and Kevin Nugent) all fit again, there seemed little point in staying on.

"I spoke to Brian last week and again after the Darlington game and he wanted to keep me. He was expecting me in training Monday morning.

"But I said I would rather go back to United, have a chat with the coaching staff and see what the future holds for me up there."

Nardiello, whose progress Wales boss Mark Hughes has been keenly monitoring, admitted he had under-performed at the Vetch.

"I don't think the Swansea fans saw the best of me," said the striker, who scored once in five appearances for the Third Division side.

"My dad (former Wales player Donato) said I had not performed to my potential and he's right.

"It's disappointing because it was my first time in the Football League - Sir Alex had never let me go out on loan before.

"But I've learned a lot from my time at Swansea and, who knows, perhaps I'll get the chance to come back one day."

Tate will stay with the Swans for the next month but he will return to United after that period.

But Swansea's director of football is expecting defender Izzy Iriekpen to sign an 18-month extension to his contract.

Swansea City's Izzy Iriekpen has signed a new 18-month contract which will keep him at the club until June 2005.
The central defender came to the Vetch Field on a three-month deal in August after being released by west Ham United.

"The manager has given me the confidence to play" Iriekpen told BBC Sport.

"I've enjoyed myself here since the first day I joined. I've been made to feel welcome and it's the right place for me to be."

FORMER Wales Under-21 goalkeeper Anthony Williams has set his sights on succeeding Roger Freestone between the Swansea City posts.

Maesteg-born Williams was on the bench for Saturday's 1-0 win after arriving on loan at the Vetch from Darlington's north east neighbours Hartlepool.

Ironically, he revealed he could have been lining up against Freestone and company had a proposed switch to Darlington not fallen through before Swansea came in for him last week.

The 26-year-old - out of favour at Hartlepool despite being an integral part of the side that won promotion to Division Two last season - said he was keen to come home to Wales when his Victoria Park contract expires at the end of the season.

And Williams, brought in as cover while Swansea's regular second-choice 'keeper Brian Murphy is away on Republic of Ireland duty, is hoping to usurp the long-serving Freestone at the Vetch.

"Roger can't go on for ever and I'd love to be his long-term successor at Swansea," said Williams.

"The thing is I've had enough of living a long way from home. I've had six years at Blackburn (as a trainee) and four at Hartlepool and I'm ready to come back to Wales now."

And it would be great if there was an opportunity at Swansea for me.

" It's a club that's going places and I'd like to be a part of that."

But, with Murphy under contract until the end of the 2004-05 season and Freestone in fine form at the moment, Williams accepts there might not be a goalkeeping vacancy for him to fill.

"I'm aware of the situation and we'll just have to see what happens," he said. "I'm not expecting to be here until the end of the season because I know a Third Division club could not finance three goalkeepers.

"But over the next month I just want to impress Brian (Flynn) enough so that he remembers me in case there is something next season.

"I've known Roger for a number of years and we're good friends, but if he does slip up I'll be ready to take his place."

Williams has featured in 100 consecutive games for Hartlepool and more than 150 in total, but he has fallen out of favour with new boss Neale Cooper.

"I got a few negative vibes in the summer and lost my place in the side after only the first game of the season," he said.

"That was very difficult to swallow, especially after playing in a promotion-winning team last year.

"Perhaps my face doesn't fit, I just don't know. But I need a fresh outlook."

BRIAN FLYNN admitted Swansea were struggling to reproduce the free-flowing football that lit up the first few weeks of the season.

But on this occasion he was more interested in a result which gave the Swans their first home win in the league since September 20.

"I'd like my team to entertain, play well and score goals," said the Swansea boss.

"But sometimes you have to look at the bigger picture and, on occasions, grinding out results.

"We're gaining a reputation and teams are coming to the Vetch and not allowing us to play.

"That was the case here. We dominated possession but didn't ask too many questions of Darlington."

On Roger Freestone's crucial late save, Flynn said, "It was worth a goal in itself. Roger didn't have much to do, but he kept his concentration up."

SWANSEA CITY boss Brian Flynn will seek permission from Manchester United chief Sir Alex Ferguson today to keep his two Old Trafford youngsters on loan at the Vetch for a second month.

Flynn wants to hold onto defender Alan Tate and striker Daniel Nardiello for at least another four weeks after their initial loan period came to an end following Saturday's 1-0 home win over Darlington.

And Swansea's director of football, who is also considering a swoop for Cardiff City outcast Layton Maxwell, might even look to keep Tate at the Vetch on a long-term basis like last season.

Said Flynn, "I'll be speaking to Alan and Danny to make sure they want to stay before getting in touch with Manchester United.

"I'd like to hang onto both of them and I'm not anticipating any problems from Old Trafford.

"As to whether we can take Alan on a similar long-term loan to last season, I don't know.

"We'll have to see what United say about that."

Flynn defended his decision to keep faith with Wales-qualified striker Nardiello, who has had a slow start to his Swansea career and struggled to make an impression on his return to the starting line-up against Darlington.

"He's a young lad who's still learning his trade," said Flynn. "It's not easy going into the Football League for the first time.

"I'm not disappointed with how he's done. It has been disruptive for him.

"He did well at Rochdale, it was a difficult game against Bristol Rovers and he got a goal when I changed things round for the LDV game against Southend.

"Then, of course, he was not allowed to play in the FA Cup match against Rushden & Diamonds and he was on the bench for Northampton as I went with the same team.

"I gave him a chance against Darlington, but we didn't give him any quality service.

"But I've watched him play on many occasions and I know he will score goals."

Former Liverpool and Wales Under-21 midfielder Maxwell was in the stands to watch Swansea register their first home league win in more than two months.

The Rhyl-born player was shown the door by Cardiff earlier this season but, with six months left on his Ninian Park contract, is still negotiating the terms of his departure.

"I spoke to Layton's agent a couple of weeks ago and told him to keep me informed of the situation, but I haven't spoken to him since," said Flynn.

"Layton is a good footballer. I've watched his progress since 15 or 16 and he hasn't really had the opportunities at club level."

Flynn's side stay sixth in Division Three, but are just four points off leaders Oxford after several promotion rivals dropped points at the weekend.

FORMER Wales Under-21 goalkeeper Anthony Williams has set his sights on succeeding Roger Freestone between the Swansea City posts.

Maesteg-born Williams was on the bench for Saturday's 1-0 win after arriving on loan at the Vetch from Darlington's north east neighbours Hartlepool.

Ironically, he revealed he could have been lining up against Freestone and company had a proposed switch to Darlington not fallen through before Swansea came in for him last week.

The 26-year-old - out of favour at Hartlepool despite being an integral part of the side that won promotion to Division Two last season - said he was keen to come home to Wales when his Victoria Park contract expires at the end of the season.

And Williams, brought in as cover while Swansea's regular second-choice 'keeper Brian Murphy is away on Republic of Ireland duty, is hoping to usurp the long-serving Freestone at the Vetch.

"Roger can't go on for ever and I'd love to be his long-term successor at Swansea," said Williams.

"The thing is I've had enough of living a long way from home. I've had six years at Blackburn (as a trainee) and four at Hartlepool and I'm ready to come back to Wales now."

And it would be great if there was an opportunity at Swansea for me.

" It's a club that's going places and I'd like to be a part of that."

But, with Murphy under contract until the end of the 2004-05 season and Freestone in fine form at the moment, Williams accepts there might not be a goalkeeping vacancy for him to fill.

"I'm aware of the situation and we'll just have to see what happens," he said. "I'm not expecting to be here until the end of the season because I know a Third Division club could not finance three goalkeepers.

"But over the next month I just want to impress Brian (Flynn) enough so that he remembers me in case there is something next season.

"I've known Roger for a number of years and we're good friends, but if he does slip up I'll be ready to take his place."

Williams has featured in 100 consecutive games for Hartlepool and more than 150 in total, but he has fallen out of favour with new boss Neale Cooper.

"I got a few negative vibes in the summer and lost my place in the side after only the first game of the season," he said.

"That was very difficult to swallow, especially after playing in a promotion-winning team last year.

"Perhaps my face doesn't fit, I just don't know. But I need a fresh outlook."

AFTER Wednesday's sorry scenes at the Millennium Stadium it was always going to take something special to restore your faith in football.

Darlington at home just doesn't have the same kind of appeal as the fortnight in Portugal many Vetch Field regulars were planning before Russia came along and spoiled all that.

But trust Lee Trundle to pick a beaut of a strike from his loaded bag of tricks to lift the gloom hanging over Welsh football and hand Swansea all three points to boot.

Trundle's spectacular overhead kick in the 41st minute gave Brian Flynn's men a lead which they would have struggled to lose against a poor Darlington outfit.

But once bitten, twice shy and those Swansea fans still nursing a broken heart and puffy eyes from Wales's failure will be well aware how ordinary their team would have looked without Trundle on hand to save the day yet again.

His ability to create something out of nothing proved the decisive factor in bagging all three points and keeping Swansea in touching distance of the Third Division pacesetters.

Unlike the early days of the season where anyone in a white shirt looked capable of adding their name to the score sheet, only Trundle seemed to know how to find the net against David Hodgson's men, who were well worthy of their lowly league standing.

And if it wasn't for Roger Freestone's brilliant last-gasp save from Barry Conlon the visitors would have stolen a point from a game they should have never been in.

From the outset it was clear the North-east outfit were one of the weaker sides to travel to South Wales this season, allowing Trundle to power his way to a shot on goal as early as the first minute.

And more of the same followed with Daniel Nardiello, in for the out-of-sorts Nugent, continued to press the defence as the opening exchanges rarely left the Darlington half.

Trundle almost made the most of that pressure on 26 minutes when he scorched the fingers of Michael Price in the Darlington net, neat control from Keiron Durkan's feed creating the time and space for a blistering close-range effort.

And the goal that should have unlocked the floodgates came as Swansea cranked up the pressure and Trundle fired the Swans into the lead in spectacular style, the only way he knows.

Darlington failed to clear a Swansea corner and Izzy Iriekpen flicked on Leon Britton's returning cross before Trundle allowed the ball to bounce, setting himself up for a brilliant bicycle kick.

Swansea nearly doubled their advantage four minutes later when Nardiello - due to sign an extension to his loan deal tomorrow - raced away, only for former Wales Under-21 Ryan Valentine to put in a goal-saving covering tackle.

The halftime whistle blew to save any further Darlington desperation but all factors pointed to a whitewash after the break.

But it never materialised as the Swans failed to click into the rhythm that saw them crucify lacklustre defending at the Vetch earlier on in the campaign.

Trundle again seemed to cause problems whenever he took possession but couldn't add to his 12th of the season, while Nardiello's ineffective day came to an end when Nugent replaced him on 65 minutes.

And as a warning shot to the hosts to what can happen when you don't put teams to the sword, Darlington so nearly pinched a point with just three minutes left on the clock.

In what must have been their first real test of Freestone's ability, Barry Conlon found himself on the end of a hopeful through ball and bearing down on goal via the missed clearances of a few Swans' defenders.

But Brian Flynn's blushes were saved when Freestone's reactions were a match for the point-blank effort, his single hand stop good enough to steer the ball away.

DANIEL NARDIELLO has promised Swansea City fans the best is yet to come after being offered a second month on loan at the Vetch.

The Manchester United striker admits he is disappointed not to have made a bigger impact at Swansea since joining ahead of the 1-0 win at Rochdale on October 25.

But, despite having Lee Trundle, James Thomas and Kevin Nugent all at full fitness again, Swans boss Brian Flynn is keeping faith with Nardiello and has told him he wants him to stay in South Wales for another month.

And, providing he gets the seal of approval from Old Trafford chief Sir Alex Ferguson over the weekend, the 21-year-old Wales-qualified striker says he plans to seize the opportunity.

"I'm delighted that the manager (Flynn) wants me to stay because I don't want to go back to Manchester United just yet," said Nardiello, who is eyeing a starting place in today's Division Three clash against struggling Darlington.

"I've enjoyed my first month down here, though perhaps it hasn't gone quite as well as I hoped it would.

"But don't forget that this is a massive learning curve for me. It's the first time I've come out on loan to a Football League side.

"It would be disappointing if I could not stay for at least another month because I need as much experience as I can get.

"And I'm confident that I can improve - and score goals - playing for Swansea. The fans haven't seen the best of me yet."

Nardiello, whose Old Trafford colleague Alan Tate is also expected to be offered another month at the Vetch, has made three senior starts in his first month on loan - and it has been something of a mixed bag.

The Coventry-born forward had a solid debut against Rochdale, struggled to shine in the 0-0 draw against Bristol Rovers on November 1 and scored his first Swansea goal in the dismal LDV Vans Trophy defeat against Southend.

Having been refused permission to play against Rushden & Diamonds in the first round of the FA Cup, Nardiello returned as a second-half substitute in Monday's 2-1 reverse at Northampton.

"It was disappointing to be on the bench for that one, but I have to accept that there are three other good strikers at the club," said Nardiello, who fired in 12 goals for the United reserve team before his switch to Swansea.

"But I'm in the squad for the Darlington game and, fingers crossed, I might be starting the game.

"I'm confident in my abilities and I know I can score goals given the chance.

"I hope the next month goes well. I want to convince the Swansea fans that I've got a lot to offer.

"And I obviously want to impress Manchester United. They want me to get first-team experience and I want to show them I can do a good job in the Third Division."

Nardiello said he was not any closer to making a decision on whether to commit his international future to Wales or England. "It's a big decision to make and I don't want to rush it," he said.

His immediate focus is on domestic matters, specifically a Darlington side who arrive at the Vetch third bottom of Division Three and without a win in eight league matches.

Flynn could be tempted to rest Nugent and bring in Nardiello next to Trundle as Swansea go in search of their first home league win since the 2-0 triumph over Huddersfield on September 20.

With Mark Wilson having returned to Middlesbrough, Lenny Johnrose will slot into midfield, while Swansea's new loan goalkeeper Anthony Williams will be among the substitutes.

Michael Howard and Richard Duffy are expected to shake off the back injuries they picked up in the Sixfields Stadium setback.

"Darlington are struggling, but I'm sure they will give us a good game," said Nardiello. "From our point of view, we have to improve on our performance at Northampton.

"It was disappointing by Swansea's standards and the lads are determined to make up for it."

SWANSEA CITY yesterday completed the signing of Hartlepool's former Wales Under-21 goalkeeper Anthony Williams on a month's loan.

Williams arrives at the Vetch as cover for Roger Freestone while regular understudy Brian Murphy is away with the Republic of Ireland squad at the World Youth Championships in Dubai.

Maesteg-born Williams, who earned 16 Wales caps with the under-21s, was a regular in the Pool side that won promotion to Division Two last season under Mike Newell.

But the 26-year-old, a veteran of more than 140 Hartlepool appearances, fell out of favour with new manager Neale Cooper and has made just a single league start this season.

Cooper said yesterday he had agreed to let the former Blackburn Rovers trainee join Swansea on the basis he would be getting regular first-team football.

But Swans boss Brian Flynn, almost certain to start with Freestone in goal for the weekend visit of struggling Darlington, said that would not necessarily be the case.

"Anthony knows the situation - he is coming here as cover for Roger," said the director of football. "Roger will be playing, but we need another goalkeeper while Brian is away.

"I'm not saying Anthony won't get a game, though. It's up to him to provide a challenge for Roger. To give him an edge."

Flynn insists Williams is a valuable short-term addition to his squad. "I saw a lot of him as a kid at Blackburn, he's a good keeper," he said. "He came through the Wales youth ranks, playing for the under-18s before the under-21s, and had played 100 consecutive games for Hartlepool."

Flynn is also working at agreeing a new contract with promising young defender Richard Duffy that will keep him at the Vetch until the end of next season.

The 18-year-old has broken into the first-team this season and impressed Flynn with his composure in the right-back berth.

"Richard has got a lot of potential," said Flynn. "He's not yet the finished article, but I'm building for the future and he's a player I want to remain with us."

Roberto Martinez, meanwhile, is not expected to be fit to face Darlington, meaning Lenny Johnrose will return in midfield.

Northampton Town 2-1 Swansea City
SWANSEA CITY were lucky not to suffer a Monday massacre last night as rampaging Northampton carved them open in a thrilling Division Three clash at Sixfields Stadium.

This was only Swansea's fourth defeat on the road this season, but the margin of defeat would have been much greater had the superior Cobblers taken a glut of second-half chances.

Brian Flynn's side started well enough, but faded as the game went on and in the end could have few complaints about going home empty handed.

It looked good for the Swans when Leon Britton cancelled out Richard Walker's 44th-minute opener with his second goal for the club three minutes after the break.

But 10 minutes later Martin Smith struck with a left-foot curler from the edge of the area as the Cobblers took control and began to shine in front of the Sky Sports cameras.

From then on Swansea disintegrated, struggling in particular to deal with the threat of former Cardiff winger Josh Low down the right-hand flank and Northampton had numerous chances to add to their lead.

This was a disappointing display from a Swansea side struggling to develop the kind of consistency that characterised their early-season flourish.

Both sides had gone into the match on the back of impressive FA Cup victories against Second Division opposition nine days earlier.

Northampton were 3-2 winners against high-flyers Plymouth on first round day, while the Swans claimed a more emphatic 3-0 triumph at home to Rushden & Diamonds.

Despite their recent hiccup at the Vetch, Swansea boast one of the best away records in the division and were aiming to chalk up a third successive win on the road.

Northampton have not been having such a good time.

Despite a summer influx of 12 players at Sixfields, the Cobblers went into last night's match 18th in the table, a 1-0 success at Southend on November 1 their first win in 11 league outings.

Desperate to bounce straight back following their relegation last season, Northampton turned to former Tottenham Hotspur and Swindon Town defender Colin Calderwood last month following the sacking of Martin Wilkinson.

Northampton's new manager was unable to call on the services of Paul Trollope, the midfielder on duty with the Wales squad in Cardiff, but former Swans defender Des Lyttle was in at right back.

There was not even a place on the bench for Marc Richards, the former Blackburn Rovers striker who spent six successful months on loan at the Vetch last season.

For Swansea, Mark Wilson was making his final appearance in midfield before returning to Middlesbrough.

The second change to the side that overcame Rushden saw Alan Tate return for Kris O'Leary in the centre of defence.

Daniel Nardiello, also cup-tied for the date with the Diamonds, had to settle for a place on the bench.

It did not take long for the match to burst into life.

With former Cardiff winger Low a constant menace down the Northampton right and Swansea's Lee Trundle and Britton posing problems for the Cobblers defence, a goal seemed possible at either end.

The first clear chance fell to the home side on 17 minutes, midfielder Martin Reeves forcing Roger Freestone to hit the deck to save his well-struck 25-yard effort.

Eight minutes later and it was the turn of Freestone's opposite number to prevent Swansea snatching the lead, keeper Lee Harper using his legs to block a close range shot from Izzy Iriekpen, who had received a through ball from Andy Robinson after venturing forward from his defensive station.

The tempo fast and the tackles committed, there was more danger for Swansea moments later. This time, though, Wilson was on hand to clear a Chris Hargreaves effort from inside the area.

But it was Swansea's failure to deal with the threat of Low that resulted in Northampton taking the lead on the stroke of half time.

With Michael Howard caught up field and Iriekpen flummoxed, Low cut through feeble Swansea resistance to dispatch a cross which Walker headed comfortably past Freestone.

Swansea attempted to draw level straight away when a long Freestone punt fell to Kevin Nugent, but the former Cardiff striker's flick on was blazed over the bar by Trundle.

Northampton were good value for their lead, but it disappeared just three minutes into the second half. Robinson saw a shot blocked by Ian Sampson, but it fell nicely to Britton who finished well by drilling a low shot past Harper.

So pleased to have hit the target, the former West Ham product entered the referee's notebook for over-exuberant celebrations with the Swansea fans behind the goal.

Ten minutes later the home side were back in front, Smith evading his marker and beating Freestone with a cool left-foot curler from the edge of the box.

Flynn made a trio of substitutions, O'Leary coming on for Michael Howard, which saw Iriekpen switch to left-back, Nardiello replaced Kieron Durkan and Lenny Johnrose came on for the injured Richard Duffy. With a striker, Nugent, in midfield and a midfielder, Johnrose, at the back, Swansea began to look a little disjointed and their midfield threat diminished. Little surprise, then, that Northampton looked like extending their lead.

Swansea were caught on the break and but for a vital interception from O'Leary, Smith would have put the home side 3-1 ahead on 77 minutes.

Five minutes from time Walker had a marvellous chance to bury Swansea when he got on the end of another superb cross from Low, but the Cobblers striker fired over.

MARK WILSON makes his final appearance for Swansea City tonight convinced the club will be pushing for a place in Division One within the next few years.

With several players on their way back from injury - including influential Spanish midfielder Roberto Martinez - Swans boss Brian Flynn has decided against extendingWilson's two-month stay at the Vetch.

The injury crisis which saw Wilson arrive on loan from Middlesbrough is at last disappearing , with Flynn able to pick from 20 professionals for tonight's televised Division Three clash at Northampton.

More good news for Flynn - who revealed he is considering taking Hartlepool's Welsh keeper Anthony Williams on loan - is the fact defender Izzy Iriekpen is set to agree to a contract extension that will keep him at Swansea until the end of next season.

For Wilson, though, it will be a case of heading back to the Riverside and fighting for a place in Steve McClaren's side after he makes his final Swans outing in tonight's Sky Sports game at Sixfields Stadium.

But the former Manchester United midfielder is not ruling out a Vetch return in the future, predicting he could be back when Flynn's men have climbed a couple of rungs up the Football League ladder.

"I firmly believe Swansea is a club on the up and should be in Division Two next season," said Wilson, who has made 12 appearances for the Swans, scoring twice.

"I've got every confidence that this squad can win promotion and the club will get bigger and better as a result.

"And the club could be in Division One within the next two to three years. The potential is there.

"Personally, I've had a fantastic time at Swansea - I've got back a buzz for football that I lost in the reserves at Middlesbrough.

"My immediate aim is to get back into the side at Boro, though I'm not certain what sort of future I've got there.

"And I wouldn't rule out coming back to Swansea one day. You never know what might happen in two or three years."

Though Martinez is not expected to be back, Wilson is one of three loan stars available again after being cup-tied for the 3-0 FA Cup win against Rushden & Diamonds nine days ago.

But, while Alan Tate is almost certain to be restored to the centre of defence, his Old Trafford team-mate Daniel Nardiello might have to settle for a place on the bench.

"I've had some lovely selection dilemmas for this game," said Flynn.

"You might ask whether I can change a winning side, but I've just got to pick a team that I think will beat Northampton."

Flynn wants to sign Bridgend-born Williams - out of favour at Hartlepool - on loan as current second-choice keeper Brian Murphy is away with the Republic of Ireland at the World Youth Championships in Dubai after tonight.

Northampton, without Wales midfielder Paul Trollope, will include former Swans defender Des Lyttle after he agreed a three-month contract.

Striker Marc Richards, who spent six months on loan at Swansea last season, is expected to be on the bench.

HE'S been accused of being a "showboater" - a real fancy dan.

But in the eyes of Swansea City fans, Lee Trundle is God in a pair of magic daps.

The Liverpudlian - panned by Huddersfield boss Peter Jackson for having the temerity to roll the ball across his shoulders during a game at the McAlpine Stadium earlier this term - is fast becoming THE most popular Swans striker since the days of Alan Curtis.

The boys on the North Bank have even taken to calling their new idol "Trundle-dinho, with due deference to a buck-toothed Brazilian striker whom Vetch regulars rate probably slightly less than their own goal-den boy.

But get this, Swans fans. You've got a whole lot more goals, and entertainment, to look forward to where Trundle is concerned.

So says his former Wrexham mucker Andy Morrell, one player who knows better than any just what a handful Trundle can be.

"We hit if off great at Wrexham last season and I thought it would take precisely five minutes for Lee to become a hero at Swansea," said Morrell, who left the Racecourse in the summer to join First Division outfit Coventry City.

"He's a fantastic player and he's been among the goals so far. I think he's got 11.

"But at Wrexham I was the target man and Lee operated a bit deeper - he created so many opportunities for me it was unreal.

"I think he won something like nine penalties last season.

"I ended up with 35 goals but, fair play to Lee, he deserves a lot of the credit for that.

"It underlines how talented he is that he's able to take on more of a goalscorer's role at the Vetch.

"You've got to be a good player to be able to create chances for yourself and others and take them. There's plenty more to come from Lee.

"We worked well together as a partnership.

"It maybe helped that we both had a similar background in terms of coming into the professional game a bit later than most players.

"We both had the desire to do well and I think that showed.

"We both got on pretty well off the pitch, too, which always helps.

"But Lee's got real talent and he's not afraid of doing something out of the ordinary.

"If he gets stick for showing off, firstly he's got the ability to do things that others can't, and secondly he's got the confidence to do it.

"He's the kind of player fans love. He wants to entertain and get people excited and that's what the game is all about."

Trundle is certainly an entertainer. But he'd started winning over Swans fans even before they'd seen him kick a ball in a white shirt.

There were two or three, maybe more Second Division clubs in the hunt for Trundle when it became evident that he was going to be leaving Wrexham's Racecourse in the summer.

But when he learned Brian Flynn and Swansea required his services, Trundle threw in his lot with a club desperate never to endure a repeat of last term's frantic fight to avoid dropping out of the league.

And it's looking increasingly like Trundle, raised within a bus ride of Aintree, has backed the right horse.

The Swans are firing near the top of the Division Three table and Trundle has endorsed his first few months at The Vetch by putting pen to paper on a new deal.

All this confirms Morrell's belief that Trundle is as happy as a sandboy down on Swansea Bay.

"I've spoken to Lee recently and he's very pleased with the way things are working for him at Swansea," added 29-year-old Morrell, who came into the professional game in 1999, signing for Wrexham from Tyneside club Newcastle Blue Stars.

"He seems to have settled in pretty quickly.

"It helps that he knew all about Brian Flynn as a manager. He knew Flynnie and Flynnie knew his game so both knew what they were getting.

"But the Swans certainly seem to be going places. They had a big shock last season but they've responded to that in the right way.

"Lee's had a great start but I think you've got to give Brian Flynn a lot of the credit for what's happening there at the moment.

"The club aren't out of the woods entirely with the financial problems they've had but Flynnie looks to have done a great job with the funds the board there have raised for him.

"Brian's a shrewd operator. He did well with what he had at Wrexham and he's doing the same at the Vetch."

FORMER Swansea City youth manager Wayne Powell has won £25,000 compensation from the club after being demoted by director of football Brian Flynn.

Powell, 47, the director of youth development at the Vetch who led the under-19 side to one of its most successful seasons, was awarded the out-of-court settlement at a Cardiff employment tribunal yesterday.

The settlement was reached shortly before Powell was due to claim constructive, unfair and wrongful dismissal at the tribunal.

Powell's team went on a 28-game run with just one defeat between January and May 2003.

They lifted the Under-19 Division Three championship as well as winning the Welsh Youth club tournament for the first time in 30 years.

After the settlement Powell said he was told by Flynn that Alan Curtis, the former Swansea star and Wales international, was having his job and that he was being demoted to assistant director with a drop in salary from £27,000 to £17,000.

Powell, from Caerphilly, said he was given no reason by the club for his demotion despite repeated requests.

Former Bristol Rovers player Powell said, "Although I was pleased at the award, it gave me no pleasure to take the club to court.

"But they refused to give me an explanation for downgrading me, even though my youth side was one of the most successful ever."

Five of the players under Powell's command have since played for the Swansea first team.

He said, "In my case success did not breed success for myself. I was treated very shabbily considering what I had achieved."

Swansea City's lawyer Owen Prys Lewis said after the settlement, "The club does not wish to comment."

SWANSEA CITY boss Brian Flynn can't wait for the "dream round" of the FA Cup when he can pit his wits against the cream of the football league.

Swansea still have to overcome the hurdle of the second round after dispatching Second Division Rushden with some ease yesterday.

But that didn't stop Flynn fantasising about a glamour tie come the third round.

"We first have to get the second round out of the way but the Cup is different once it gets to the third round," said Flynn. "It's what I call the dream round when the big boys come in and I think only the semi-final comes next to that in terms of excitement."

A dejected Rushden boss Brian Talbot, himself a two-time Cup winner, had suggested the Cup has lost much of it's value and revealed he couldn't get his players enthusiastic about their first round visit to the Vetch.

But Talbot's opinions cut no ice with Flynn.

"I don't agree with that," said Flynn. "I have too many good memories of the Cup to think of it as undervalued.

"Brian is a disappointed manager at the moment and I've had no problems getting the lads excited about playing."

And now Flynn, who guided former club Wrexham to historic cup wins over Arsenal, West ham, Birmingham and Ipswich, is determined to do the same in South Wales.

"Our record in the competition is abysmal in recent years and I want to put that right," he said. "It's important to have a good run and not just for financial reasons. We're halfway to the third round and wouldn't it be nice to get there."

And scoring sensation Lee Trundle revealed he holds no fears about who they might get in today's draw.

"I don't care who we get as long as it's at home," he said. "I reckon we're better than half the teams in the second division so I've no problems if we drew one of them. It would be nice to get Wrexham at home in the next one and then Everton in the third."