Southend 1-1 Swansea City
ASK anybody what Southend is most famous for and you may be told its pier, the biggest in Europe, and 1960s crooner Matt Monroe.

Pop siren Alison Moyet is also from this Essex playground and, certainly, Swans goalkeeper Brian Murphy was left singing the Blues yesterday.

The 20-year-old Irishman has had his troubles since landing at the Vetch Field from Manchester City last summer. But, five months of frustration seemed to be evaporating for him until 15 minutes from time.

Venturing to the edge of the penalty box, the stopper was under stiff pressure from Southend's Drewe Broughton when Premiership referee Graham Barber seized centre stage.

The Hertfordshire official was convinced Murphy had handled outside his territory - an immediate red card was brandished, horrifying the disbelieving custodian.

The score was 1-1 at that juncture, Kevin Nugent's 62nd- minute opener cancelled out by Blues striker Lawrie Dudfield on 65 minutes.

As Murphy trudged disconsolately off the pitch, he would have been aware that a one-match suspension taking effect Saturday week would let fierce rival Roger Freestone back in to Swansea's number one shirt.

And Swans boss Brian Flynn had full sympathy for Murphy. He reflected, "I do feel very sorry for Brian. He was absolutely distraught in our dressing room. The ball held up in the wind and it seemed to get him into trouble."

A linesman had told the waiting hacks that Murphy had been "yards outside his box".

But Flynn said: "I would doubt if that was the case. Even though I will concede that I thought that the linesman concerned was in a perfect position to judge.

"There was a camera position in line with this incident and we will be having another look at this."

Legitimate dismissal or not, Swansea's play-off hopes appear to recede with every game. They now need to win eight from their remaining 11 games to make the top seven clubs in Division Three.

Nugent's eighth goal of the season seemed to be putting the battered Swans on course for a successive away maximum before Dudfield, signed from Northampton five hours before kick-off, levelled.

Nugent said after the game: "We just can't seem to hang on to the lead. Not for the first time this season, we have conceded so soon after scoring."

Swansea handed a debut to striker Paul Connor, signed fromRochdale. Borrowed West Ham right-back Sean Byrne returned, as did Lenny Johnrose and Nugent.

Flynn's men were desperate for the win but they faced a rejuvenated Blues who had been beaten only once in 10 games.

Southend made the more impressive start.

Midfielder Kevin Maher sent over a pin-point right-side corner and leaping Leon Court powered wide at the far post.

Southend were fishing for another opening moments later. Drewe Broughton's pass released Dudfield, but the former Middlesbrough player fired across a gaping net with Johnrose totally roasted on the left.

Johnrose's lack of pace in the left-back position had clearly been recognised by the Shrimpers. Broughton speared in another low cross and Maher's blast ricocheted wide in the scramble that followed.

The Swans almost capsized their hosts on 13 minutes.

Stuart Roberts and Byrne cleverly linked on the right. And Nugent touched on for Jonathan Coates to send an 18-yard screamer inches over.

Leon Court and Lewis Hunt's calm defensive assurance was proving a sound foundation for Southend though. And Murphy had to quickly snatch the ball as Leon Constantine hovered menacingly.

The former Brentford man then sent a low snapshot fractionally wide and Carl Pettefer thundered over with a rising right-footer.

Swansea amazingly struck with a first second-half raid one minute after the hour. Byrne's chip was nodded down by Connor for Nugent to poke past Darryl Flahavan. The former Southampton stopper gazed on in disbelief. He was back in the action again seconds later, diving to his left to push away Coates' swerving cross.

Tilson's side was deservedly level on 65 minutes, though - Broughton touching on for Dudfield to fire low into the bottom corner.

Either side could have won it after that but the odds were certainly stacked against Swansea after Murphy was sent off, although substitute Andy Robinson almost ghosted in with time ebbing away.

SWANSEA manager Brian Flynn and Southend counterpart Steve Tilson will know their targets from now until the end of the season.

In Flynn's case, Swansea probably require at least eight victories from their remaining 11 matches to secure a top seven place and print a ticket for the play-offs.

It's debatable whether they have the capabilities or consistency to achieve this and Flynn admitted, "Maybe we think that the play-offs are beyond us, that's why I refuse to talk about promotion at this time.

"We are five matches unbeaten but we need wins now, not draws like we picked up at Southend. I can't say that this result at Root's Hall means that we have dropped two points, I would consider it to be one point gained because of the way the game went.

"People are going on about promotion but you have to consider where we were this time last year. We won 2-0 at Southend and if we had lost that game we could have been in deep trouble many points adrift at the bottom of Division Three."

That is where Shrimpers chief Tilson is looking to lever his men from. And the signs are good because Southend have been beaten just once in 11 matches. How Swansea would have loved to have put a run like that together since January 1.

Tilson has told his men to register another three maximums to dispel any fears of slipping into the Nationwide Conference. He said: "I really believe that we do need three wins to be safe because clubs around us like Carlisle are picking up points.

"We go to Cardiff's Millennium Stadium for an LDV Vans final against Blackpool next Sunday. It will be a big day for the football club and its supporters.

"But my priority has always been league status. I have told my players not to talk about the trophy final until after we play away at Lincoln on Tuesday."

NEW Swans striker Paul Connor has admitted the stick he got from the Vetch fans persuaded him to sign for the Swans.

"Connor became Brian Flynn's latest recruit to the Swans' play-off mission when he completed his £35,000 switch from Rochdale this week.

And the 25-year-old revealed the earache he received on his last visit to South Wales made his decision an easy one. "I was in the Rochdale side that played down here last year," recalled Connor. "And I couldn't believe the support they had.

"We had a man sent off and I scored one of my better goals to equalise. But the entire ground got right behind the team.

"And the stick we got from the home fans was something else. They did their best to put us off, I can tell you! I'm just so glad the next time I play there I'll be in a white shirt."

The events of that game certainly left a lasting impression on the Durham-born marksman, and the Swans management, who have opened their transfer chequebooks for the first time in four-and-a-half years.

Not since Bangor City were given £20,000 for Tommy Mutton's services in August 1999 have the Swans shelled out for a new player.

But Connor - who was Rochdale's record signing at £150,000 three years ago - insisted the landmark doesn't bother him and admitted he knew it was the right move for him as soon as he was told of Swansea's interest.

"The first I'd heard of it was when Steve Parkin (Rochdale manager) called me into his office last week," he said. "Straight away I really fancied going to Swansea.

"I knew from playing them last year they're not a club that should be anywhere near the bottom of this division and are ambitious to go forward.

"I'd heard a lot about Brian Flynn and how he can get the best out of players and even when there were other teams involved I had my heart set on joining Swansea."

But after finalising his switch to South Wales, the 6ft striker now has his targets set on the playoffs.

"The lads have told me all about what happened in midweek and that the gaffer wasn't too impressed," said Connor, who hopes to end a six-month barren spell without a goal against Macclesfield on Tuesday.

"But while there are still points to play for we'll be giving it everything as a team to get there."

Swansea City hope Paul Connor's £35,000 move from Rochdale will spark their ailing play-off bid into life. Connor ended weeks of speculation late yesterday by signing a deal keeping him at Vetch Field for the next two seasons, rejecting advances from Yeovil and one other club in the process.

And after becoming the first Swansea chairman to pay a transfer fee in five years - since Tommy Mutton arrived for £20,000 in 1999 - Huw Jenkins is tipping the new man to help steer Swansea into the top seven come May.

''When Paul moved to Rochdale (almost three years ago to the day), he scored 10 goals in 12 matches to get them into the play-offs,'' he said.

''Hopefully we'll see a repeat performance now, and Paul will prove to be the mystery ingredient we've been looking for.''

Jenkins continued: ''He recognises that there are exciting times ahead for this club with the new stadium and he also wants to work with Brian Flynn.

''We're delighted he'll be with us for the rest of this season and beyond.''

Director of football Flynn was thrilled to clinch the signature of a player who he first tried to get when in charge of Wrexham five years ago.

''It took a bit of patience,'' he said, ''but now we can look forward to having another recognised goalscorer in our squad.

''At 25 Paul is just the right age and his record of one goal every three games shows the ability he has.

''The club have made a statement with this signing. We've paid for a player for the first time in a long time and that shows the ambition we have got.''

Connor, who hails from the North-East, began his career at Middlesbrough before joining Stoke on a free transfer in 1999.

He went some way towards repaying the club record £150,000 Rochdale paid for him in March 2001 and, though he has managed only five goals this season, was offered a fresh contract at Spotland earlier in the week.

The 6ft 2in frontman, who has had spells on loan at Hartlepool and Cambridge, was due to train with his new Swansea team-mates for the first time at Tottenham today ahead of tomorrow's trip to Southend.

While Connor will come straight into Flynn's side up front, there could also be a return for Shaun Byrne - possibly at the expense of Michael Howard on the left side of defence.

Flynn's men head to Essex hoping to build on their four-game unbeaten run, but rejuvenated Southend, who have lost only one of their last 10 matches, are likely to provide a stiff test of Swansea's play-off credentials.

''Of course, Paul's arrival will improve our chances of getting to the play-offs,'' Flynn added.

''But as I said after the Rochdale game in midweek, I don't want to talk about them for the moment.

''We're just concentrating on getting our levels of performance consistently high.''

NEW signing Paul Connor believes he can fire the goals that send Swansea City into the Third Division play-offs - even though he has not scored for six months.

Connor, 25, is preparing to go straight into the Swansea side at Southend today after finally completing a £35,000 switch from Rochdale on a two-year deal.

With Lee Trundle and James Thomas definitely ruled out and Kevin Nugent struggling to shake off a hamstring complaint, the former Middlesbrough trainee could find himself ploughing a lone attacking furrow at Roots Hall.

But boss Brian Flynn is hoping he proves key to Swansea reviving their fading promotion challenge in a match they must win to stand a realistic chance of getting back into play-off contention.

A tough challenge, it would seem, for a striker who has not registered a goal since September 16, when he found the net in Rochdale's 1-1 home draw against Huddersfield.

And a bit of a gamble, you might think, on the part of Flynn to sign a player whose confidence might not be at its highest.

Connor, though, insists his goal drought is not at issue. "There's always pressure on strikers to score goals and I don't really feel any more pressure than normal," he says. "Obviously strikers do thrive on goals and the fact I haven't got one since September has been at the back of the mind.

"But my confidence hasn't suffered because, even though I haven't scored for six months, I've been playing well and I feel the goals will come.

"I think the fact I'm joining a new club will help. When I joined Rochdale from Stoke I managed to score 10 goals in 12 matches to get us into the play-offs.

"That would be the dream scenario for me at Swansea: to get the goals that takes the club back into the top seven.

"I'm confident the goals will start to flow. If I can get one, I think I can go on and get a few before the end of the season.

"And it doesn't bother me that I could be on my own up front at Southend. That won't make me any less confident of pulling something out of the bag."

Yeovil were one of two other clubs to come in for Connor, but the Bishop Auckland-born striker, who Flynn tried to sign for Wrexham in 1999, insisted the Vetch was always his preferred destination.

"I've been up and down the motorways over the past couple of weeks - I travelled down to Yeovil earlier this week - but Swansea was the only club I really wanted to end up at," he said.

"Brian Flynn didn't need to sell the club to me. I was already aware of the potential of Swansea and what the atmosphere is like at the Vetch.

"It's a club that's going places. The manager emphasised that if we were to miss out on the play-offs this season, we'd be going all out for automatic promotion next year.

"The manager himself was another big factor in my decision. It meant a lot to me that Brian had kept track of my career ever since he tried to sign me for Wrexham."

Connor, who has scored only five goals in 26 appearances this season, added, "I'm glad to be at Swansea. Having spent three years at Rochdale, I was getting a bit stale so this is just the kind of fresh challenge I need.

"There are some great players at the club. Lee Trundle, for one, is a big talent and I'm looking forward to playing next to him when he returns."

Connor will be part of a Swans side aiming to cut the six-point gap on the play-off places - as well as improve markedly on their pitiful performance in the 1-1 midweek draw against his old club.

Lenny Johnrose could be back to add bite to the Swansea midfield, while on-loan West Ham defender Shaun Byrne is poised to return at left back at the expense of Michael Howard.

Flynn's men face a side that have lost only one of their last 10 matches, a run which has seen them reach the LDV Vans Trophy Final in Cardiff next week as well as pull away from the Third Division relegation zone.

Swansea City hope Paul Connor's £35,000 move from Rochdale will spark their ailing play-off bid into life. Connor ended weeks of speculation late yesterday by signing a deal keeping him at Vetch Field for the next two seasons, rejecting advances from Yeovil and one other club in the process.

And after becoming the first Swansea chairman to pay a transfer fee in five years - since Tommy Mutton arrived for £20,000 in 1999 - Huw Jenkins is tipping the new man to help steer Swansea into the top seven come May.

''When Paul moved to Rochdale (almost three years ago to the day), he scored 10 goals in 12 matches to get them into the play-offs,'' he said.

''Hopefully we'll see a repeat performance now, and Paul will prove to be the mystery ingredient we've been looking for.''

Jenkins continued: ''He recognises that there are exciting times ahead for this club with the new stadium and he also wants to work with Brian Flynn.

''We're delighted he'll be with us for the rest of this season and beyond.''

Director of football Flynn was thrilled to clinch the signature of a player who he first tried to get when in charge of Wrexham five years ago.

''It took a bit of patience,'' he said, ''but now we can look forward to having another recognised goalscorer in our squad.

''At 25 Paul is just the right age and his record of one goal every three games shows the ability he has.

''The club have made a statement with this signing. We've paid for a player for the first time in a long time and that shows the ambition we have got.''

Connor, who hails from the North-East, began his career at Middlesbrough before joining Stoke on a free transfer in 1999.

He went some way towards repaying the club record £150,000 Rochdale paid for him in March 2001 and, though he has managed only five goals this season, was offered a fresh contract at Spotland earlier in the week.

The 6ft 2in frontman, who has had spells on loan at Hartlepool and Cambridge, was due to train with his new Swansea team-mates for the first time at Tottenham today ahead of tomorrow's trip to Southend.

While Connor will come straight into Flynn's side up front, there could also be a return for Shaun Byrne - possibly at the expense of Michael Howard on the left side of defence.

Flynn's men head to Essex hoping to build on their four-game unbeaten run, but rejuvenated Southend, who have lost only one of their last 10 matches, are likely to provide a stiff test of Swansea's play-off credentials.

''Of course, Paul's arrival will improve our chances of getting to the play-offs,'' Flynn added.

''But as I said after the Rochdale game in midweek, I don't want to talk about them for the moment.

''We're just concentrating on getting our levels of performance consistently high.''

Leon Britton goes on the payback trail at Southend tomorrow as Swansea City begin the search for a play-off lifeline. The former West Ham midfielder was rested when the Shrimpers ended Swansea's interest in the LDV Vans Trophy last November.

But he was part of Brian Flynn's team when the Essex boys won again at Vetch Field six weeks later in a match that continues to play on his mind.

''I still can't quite work out how we lost to a team with eight men,'' says the 21-year-old.

''It was a crazy game. All I can remember is players getting sent off all the time.

''We didn't play well at any stage really, but to concede when they were three men down was the most galling thing. That just shouldn't happen.''

Having lost the LDV tie 2-1, Flynn's men were beaten 3-2 in the league meeting despite the hat-trick of red cards.

Incredibly, even with David McSweeney, Jay Smith and Mark Gower already running the taps for an early bath - along with assistant manger Paul Brush - Mark Warren capitalised on sloppy Swansea defending to score what proved the decisive goal.

''It's fair to say we owe them one having lost to them in the LDV as well,'' adds Britton.

''To lose to them three times in one season would be hugely disappointing. We know we're better than that.

''We got a great result at their place last season (when James Thomas and Kevin Nugent gave Swansea a 2-0 win) so hopefully we can go and do the same again.

''It would help banish some of those bad memories, and more importantly it would keep us in touch with the sides above.''

He almost slipped up, but Britton is conscious that the play-offs are not to be mentioned following Flynn's midweek rocket. The Vetch director of football banned all talk of the top seven after seeing his side scrape a draw against relegation-threatened Rochdale.

''Quite rightly, the gaffer wasn't happy after that and, while we haven't thrown in the towel, he's told us to stop talking about the play-offs,'' Britton continued.

''I think maybe he's trying to take the pressure off because that's when we've produced our best football.

''Obviously last season there was loads of tension, and it's been building this season ever since we got the good start.

''It was only really in the first few games of this season that we relaxed and the results then speak for themselves.

''Too many times since then we just haven't played well at all.

''We've been massively inconsistent and that's something we must change if we are going to get anywhere.

''Rochdale wasn't good enough - the fans deserve better than that - but at least we're still unbeaten.

''Hopefully we can keep that going tomorrow and for a little while yet, and then maybe we'll be allowed to start talking about the play-offs again.''

SWANSEA CITY chief Brian Flynn last night secured the services of Rochdale striker Paul Connor - and ended a six-year hunt for the marksman, writes Mario Risoli.

Flynn tried to sign the man from Bishop Auckland in 1999 when he was in charge of Wrexham. But Connor, who was on Middlesbrough's books at the time, chose to join Stoke.

The Swans director of football has kept close tabs on the player since and yesterday he finally persuaded the forward to join his Vetch Field revolution for £35,000.

With strikers Lee Trundle, James Thomas and Kevin Nugent all nursing hamstring injuries, Connor is certain to start tomorrow's crucial match against lowly Southend at Roots Hall.

"I tried to sign Paul when he was 19, but I lost him to Stoke. I've followed his career closely and I suppose you could say I've finally got my man," said Flynn.

"He's a bright player, he's a goalscorer and he's also a good footballer. Last season he scored a wonder goal for Rochdale against us so the players here know all about him."

Connor was due to face the Swans on Tuesday when Rochdale visited the Vetch, but he missed the clash with a shin injury.

Flynn added, "Paul joining us doesn't mean there won't be any more signings. We are constantly looking for the right players."

Connor became Rochdale's record signing when he moved to Spotland from Stoke in a £150,000 switch in March 2001.

The striker was out of contract at Spotland at the end of the season and was told by Rochdale boss Steve Parkin to leave the Third Division strugglers because he refused to sign a new deal.

"I suppose Rochdale fans think I've turned my back on the club but that couldn't be further from the truth," said Connor, who scored seven goals in 24 appearances for Rochdale this season.

Swansea City were today racing to sign Paul Connor after star striker Lee Trundle's hopes of making a comeback at Southend were dashed. Trundle has been forced to abandon plans of a return at Roots Hall on Saturday after suffering a recurrence of his hamstring injury in yesterday's reserve clash with Plymouth at Vetch Field.

His absence deepens Swansea's striker problems. James Thomas is also out with hamstring trouble, while Kevin Nugent is struggling to be fit for the trip to Essex.

The triple setback has accentuated Swansea's need to beat off Yeovil in the race for Rochdale frontman Connor.

Swansea, understood to have settled on a fee of £35,000 for the 25-year-old, were today looking to finalise personal terms.

''These things can become complicated when other clubs get involved,'' Vetch chairman Huw Jenkins, ''but we have been confident all along that Swansea is Paul's preferred option and I am hopeful that we can get things completed before Southend.''

Yeovil are also chasing Connor. The Somerset club almost captured him in January, but could not agree on a fee.

Manager Gary Johnson is a big fan, but he would not confirm or deny whether he had spoken to the ex-Stoke man.

He said: ''I have got a lot of spinning plates in the air. Some are falling off onto the floor and some are still in the air.

''We will just have to wait and see if they keep spinning.''

Trundle, who played 58 minutes for the reserves, is now hoping to be back for Tuesday's visit to Macclesfield.

''The injury was all right,'' he said. ''I just felt a little twinge so I decided to come off just to be on the safe side. I didn't want it to go any more.

''I didn't feel it at all until I went to stretch for a ball. I think it may have been a bit of tiredness creeping in and I put a bit of strain on it.''

Trundle has missed Swansea's last three games and will not be taking any risks with his fitness.

''The last thing I want is to rush back and then be out for another three weeks,'' he added.

''It's frustrating watching from the sidelines because I would rather be involved in every game I can. But that's football and injuries happen.

''I have been working hard and I have come on well so it was decided I would have a game because I wanted something under my belt before Saturday's game.''

WINGER Brad Maylett last night explained why boss Brian Flynn was right to ban talk of the play-offs from the Swansea City dressing room.

Flynn has told his players not to use the 'p' word anymore in the wake of a performance that put another huge dent in their prospects of winning promotion to Division Two.

Swansea squandered a golden opportunity to cut the gap on the Third Division play-off places on Tuesday night when they stumbled to a dismal 1-1 draw against struggling Rochdale at the Vetch.

Maylett's goal was the only positive thing in an otherwise lamentable Swansea display that left them six points adrift of the top seven and under even greater pressure ahead of Saturday's difficult-looking trip to Southend.

But Maylett believes Flynn has done the right thing by telling the players to put thoughts of promotion to one side - and concentrate on trying to recapture their early-season form.

"We've been told not to mention the play-offs for the time being," said Maylett.

"The gaffer has said it would be best if we just look at one game at a time and see where it gets us.

"The play-offs seem to be getting further and further away, so I think it's a good idea if we stop talking about them for the time being.

"The problem is that if we do talk about it the whole time, we're putting too much pressure on ourselves.

"Recently, we've been going into every single game saying 'We must win this to cut the gap' and 'We must get three points here' and so on and so on.

"Perhaps if we stop doing that and just go into each game trying to play good football - as we did at the start of the season - that will help lift the pressure."

But most perplexing about Tuesday's performance was how Swansea failed to show anywhere near as much appetite as they did in the Doncaster match four days earlier.

Maylett admitted he was at a loss to explain why the Swans are routinely playing so poorly against teams fighting relegation yet consistently shining against the top teams.

"I can't put my finger on why we're not doing so well against sides lower down the table," said the 23-year-old, who at least had the consolation of scoring his first goal since the opening day hat-trick.

"I don't think the lads went into the Rochdale game thinking all they had to do was turn up to get the three points. They're not like that.

"But everything does seem to click into place when we're playing the likes of Doncaster, Oxford and Yeovil.

"Somehow, we've got to find a way of being a lot more consistent. We've got to play well from the start, regardless of who our opponents are."

There was more bad news for the Swans yesterday when top scorer Lee Trundle suffered a recurrence of his hamstring injury, which is likely to rule him out of the trip to Roots Hall.

Swansea City chairman Huw Jenkins has set to a 24-hour deadline to clinch the signing of Paul Connor after Third Division rivals Yeovil launched a last-ditch bid for the Rochdale striker. Connor, who sat out last night's 1-1 draw at Vetch Field through injury, was due for transfer talks at Yeovil today after the play-off hopefuls trumped Swansea's bid for the 25-year-old.

The Evening Post understands Yeovil have offered an initial £30,000 for the 6ft 2in frontman rising to £40,000 depending on appearances.

Now Jenkins, who has tabled a bid of £35,000 up front with Rochdale, has revealed his desire for a final answer on Connor's future.

''A decision will have to be made by him and us today on whether we put it to bed or we push things forward,'' he said.

''Paul has exercised his right to speak to Yeovil and we will wait to see if, having done that, he is still committed to coming to Swansea. If he is, we will look to finalise a deal with Rochdale.''

Struggling Dale, who were unfortunate not to take all three points against dismal Swansea last night, have now conceded defeat in their bid to keep Connor in Lancashire.

''We were prepared to offer Paul a contract which would keep him with us beyond next season,'' said manager Steve Parkin.

''But he has turned that down and that doesn't look possible now, so it's up us to sell him to whoever it may be for the benefit of Rochdale Football Club.

''As well as Swansea, Yeovil and one other club have made firm enquiries and ultimately it's going to be up to the player and his agent to decide whether he leaves now or stays until the end of the season and walks away for nothing.

''Personally, if as it seems he is going to leave, I would love to see him come to Swansea because I know Brian Flynn very well.

''Paul is a good player who needs a goal. When he gets that he is likely to get seven on the bounce as he did for me when I first signed him.''

Flynn remained hopeful of capturing Connor as he licked his wounds following his side's desperate showing against a Dale side with only one win in nine matches.

Brad Maylett's 78th-minute strike handed the hosts an unlikely point, but the Vetch director of football refused to talk about the prospect of reaching the play-offs after a hugely disappointing performance.

''If we play like that we can forget the top seven,'' he said. ''I'm not going to throw in the towel, but that's my initial reaction. Too many individuals did not play well and when that happens you usually lose games so I suppose we should be grateful for a draw.

''Do we put it down as an off day? I hope so, and I hope we can bounce back at Southend on Saturday.

''It's obvious we are better than that because we've got some good players, but we did not perform and I'm not going to talk about how many points we need to reach the play-offs after that.''

Flynn was due to give run-outs to Lenny Johnrose and Shaun Byrne in the reserves today, but Lee Trundle was kept back in the hope that he will be fit for the weekend trip.

Kevin Nugent could also return at Roots Hall, but James Thomas is doubtful after limping off last night with a hamstring problem.

Leo Bertos put the visitors ahead after 26 minutes and only for some outstanding saves from Swansea goalkeeper Brian Murphy the home side would have been dead and buried at the break.

Maylett rescued a point for the Swans 12 minutes from time with a deserved equaliser. Murphy was in top form late on, keeping his side in the game with a string of fine saves.

"Four games unbeaten so the run continues," said Swans boss Flynn. "Brian Murphy was magnificent tonight and in the end I was glad to get a point.

"This was our game in hand but we were simply not good enough. I hope it was an off day and we can bounce back against Southend this weekend.

"Rochdale are fighting for their lives and tonight we just didn't perform. I'm talking to Rochdale about their striker Paul Connor but we hope Lee Trundle will be fit for Saturday.

"I'm not throwing in the towel but if we play like that again the play-offs are out of the question. Tonight too many individuals didn't play well and by half time team talk could have lasted for 30 minutes."

TALK about a wasted opportunity. This was a golden chance for Swansea City to play themselves right back into promotion contention - and they blew it.

What began with the promise of three points that would have done wonders for Swansea's play-off ambitions turned into a desperate salvage operation.

It could have been worse - Swansea were trailing to Leo Bertos' first-half goal until substitute Brad Maylett rescued a point with 22 minutes to go.

With the gap on the top seven reduced by just one point to six, the play-offs look as distant a prospect as ever in the light of an inexcusably lethargic display.

Flynn's men were so lacking in conviction and concentration it seemed they were going through the end-of-season motions rather than battling to revive their promotion prospects.

Yet, with Swansea having gone into the match after something of a mini-revival, and up against relegation-threatened opponents who had won only one game in eight, it had all been there for the taking.

What a let-down on the back of last Friday's thrilling 1-1 draw against Doncaster, a match in which it seemed the Swans had re-fuelled their promotion campaign.

There was optimism at the start as Flynn made just one change to his line-up, James Thomas coming in for hamstring victim Kevin Nugent.

The Rochdale player Flynn is trying to lure to the Vetch - striker Paul Connor - was missing from the visitors' line up with a somewhat convenient shin problem.

There was a distinctly subdued atmosphere inside the Vetch, but then the fans were given precious little to get excited about in the opening 20 minutes. It was turgid stuff.

And, having clearly arrived with the intention of containing their opponents and hitting them on the break, no one could begrudge Rochdale their goal.

It arrived after Swansea had given the ball away cheaply in midfield, Matt Doughty threading a pass to New Zealander Bertos, who cut inside Michael Howard and beat Brian Murphy with a low 20-yard finish.

Swansea's only first-half effort of note came in the 37th minute when Andy Robinson seized on the ball 25 yards out.

But, in keeping with his team's generally toothless approach, the Scouser's shot lacked the venom to trouble Rochdale's Aberdare-born keeper Neil Edwards.

Little wonder that the half-time whistle was greeted with a ripple of boos. It was a desperately disappointing opening 45 minutes for supporters who had come expecting the Swans to pick up where they had left off against Doncaster.

Recognising the impotence of his attack, Flynn sent on Maylett after the break - something he might have been advised to have done from the start - and pushed Roberts up alongside Thomas in a 4-4-2 formation.

Yet it was Dale who twice came close within four minutes of the restart. That the visitors didn't double their advantage was down to smart saves from Murphy, the Swans keeper saving from Kevin Townson at close range and turning a Grant Holt effort out for a corner.

Ten minutes in and at last Swansea carved out another chance, Stuart Roberts forcing Edwards to make a decent block with a blistering left-foot strike.

Robinson did likewise after taking a pass from Howard in his stride but shot too close to Edwards, before Murphy came to Swansea's rescue once again when he denied Daryl Burgess.

Thomas was withdrawn after appearing to pick up a hamstring strain and youngster Mark Pritchard sent on, but it was Maylett who might have scored when he received the ball in acres of space in the box.

The problem was the angle was too tight and Maylett's cross-shot was humped clear by defender Danny Livesey.

But Maylett was to have more luck nine minutes later when Swansea claimed an equaliser they scarcely deserved. Robinson's free-kick from the edge of the area clattered into the Rochdale wall, but Roberts sent the ball back in and Maylett found the bottom corner.

On 79 minutes the Swans winger should have turned the match on its head when he found himself clean through on Edwards but struck his shot straight at the keeper.

Inside the final 10 minutes Rochdale midfielder Sean McClare had three good chances to restore his side's lead. But he blazed one effort over the crossbar, saw another deflected out for a corner and, in the fifth minute of injury time, watched as Murphy tipped his stinging 30-yard drive over the bar.

Rochdale striker Paul Connor is set to sit out tonight's visit to Vetch Field as Swansea City close in on his signature. The Evening Post understands the 25-year-old frontman will play for neither of the two clubs who are battling to secure his services after leaving training at Spotland yesterday complaining of a sore shin.

Rochdale are keen to keep Connor, but Swansea remain hopeful of landing the former Stoke player in a deal believed to be worth between £30,000 and £35,000.

Dale, struggling at the foot of Division Three, want the 6ft 2in forward to help them stave off the threat of relegation to the Conference.

But Connor, out of contract this summer and unwilling to sign an extension, is keen to join Brian Flynn's squad as they bid for a place in the play-offs.

That means Parkin could take the money now rather than lose his man for nothing come the close season.

Vetch director of football Flynn today refused to be drawn on the situation, stating only: ''I think things have changed at their end slightly and I remain hopeful.''

It is understood Connor's agent contacted Swansea yesterday to reiterate that his player is keen to sign on at the Vetch after a move collapsed last week.

But a fee will still have to be agreed between the clubs after Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins accused Dale of upping their demands when a deal was agreed verbally eight days ago.

''We have made our offer and that still stands,'' he said, ''but we're not going to be doing anything for the moment and we will not be offering them any more money.''

With Connor seemingly out, Rochdale will recall their top scorer Kevin Townson in attack as they aim to improve a dreadful run of one win in eight matches.

Swansea could turn to James Thomas if Kevin Nugent fails a late fitness test on a hamstring problem.

Lee Trundle seems unlikely to be risked despite his return to training, but on-loan West Ham utility man Shaun Byrne is expected to come back into the squad after a fortnight out.

While tonight's visitors sit perilously close to the drop zone, Swansea hope to make some ground on the top seven.

''The Doncaster game was good for us because they attacked us just as much as we attacked them,'' said Flynn.

''We looked the team we were in early season again, but I don't expect things to be the same tonight.

''Steve Parkin generally likes his teams to try to play, but they are battling at the bottom of the table and I think they'll come and shut up shop.

''I hope I'm wrong because we play better when teams have a go at us, but I think that's what will happen.

''We've got to make sure that doesn't mean another frustrating game like those against Cheltenham, Kidderminster and Bristol Rovers this season.

''We remain an outside chance for the play-offs despite our recent results and we need to keep the run going.''

Swansea have taken Irish left winger or wing-back Paul Carvill, a scholar at Preston, on trial.

Top-scorer Lee Trundle could make an early return to action when Swansea City face Southend next Saturday. The 20-goal frontman had been told to target the meeting with Scunthorpe in two weeks' time for a comeback after pulling his hamstring in the win over Leyton Orient almost a fortnight ago.

But Trundle, 27, has made rapid strides in his recovery and is in contention for the trip to Roots Hall.

There is further good news from the Vetch Field treatment room, with right-back Shaun Byrne and midfield enforcer Lenny Johnrose both hoping to rejoin Brian Flynn's squad for tomorrow night's home clash with Rochdale.

On-loan West Ham defender Byrne has been absent since the Orient game with a hamstring injury, while veteran Johnrose has been on the sidelines since the goalless draw with Cheltenham in mid-January thanks to hamstring and groin injuries.

Andy Robinson, Brian Murphy and Kevin Nugent should all be okay after collecting minor knocks in Friday's thrilling 1-1 draw with Doncaster, while Leon Hylton and Karl Connolly could be fit for Southend.

Director of football Flynn, meanwhile, remains hopeful of adding Rochdale's Paul Connor to his squad before the Lancashire club visit South Wales.

The former Stoke striker regained his place in Dale's starting line-up in their 2-0 defeat at Boston on Saturday and, as it stands, should run out against Swansea tomorrow.

But Flynn, who had an offer understood to be in the region of £30,000 rejected last week, insisted: "It didn't happen with Paul when we felt fairly confident last week, but I never give up.

"The player certainly wants to come and join us and I'm still optimistic. It may be that Rochdale don't want him to play against them and that's something we'll have to consider if it gets that far."

With the gap to the play-offs down to seven points after the Doncaster draw, Flynn added: "That's three games unbeaten and I thought our performance on Friday night showed that the confidence is really starting to come back.

"Now we have to produce that sort of form consistently so that we can put together a long run without defeat."

Alan Tate is promising a warm welcome for Swansea City transfer target Paul Connor - provided he does not turn out for Rochdale at Vetch Field tonight. Boss Brian Flynn is closing in on the signing of the 25-year-old striker as he looks to spruce up his attack ahead of the play-off push.

For now Connor remains a Rochdale player, but it seems there will no danger of him harming Swansea's top-seven ambitions tonight after he left Rochdale training yesterday complaining of a shin injury.

''Hopefully he will soon be one of us,'' said centre-back Tate.

''If he is on their side tonight there'll be no holding back - he'll be here trying to beat us and so it will be up to us to try to stop him, just like any other striker in any other team."

Tate welcomes Flynn's attempt to bolster his squad as Swansea, now 10th in the table, aim to close the seven-point gap to seventh-placed Yeovil.

''It shows the ambition of the club and I think Paul Connor would be a good addition,'' adds the former Manchester United defender, who has faced Connor twice in the last 11 months.

''To be honest I can't really remember playing against him in particular, only that I was up against two big, strong forwards in the games we've had against Rochdale.

''The lads have been saying good things about him, though, and the gaffer has offered a fee for him so he must be a good player.

''He's scored a few goals for Rochdale and I'm sure he'll be a good signing for us.''

Connor, who like Tate hails from the North-East of England, averages a goal every three starts for Rochdale since they paid Stoke a club record £150,000 for his services three years ago.

But he has not managed to score in his two meetings with Tate - Swansea's 1-0 victory at Spotland back in October and the vital 2-1 success on the same ground in the final week of last season - who has fond memories of those encounters.

''The first win was massive for us,'' Tate recalls.

''It was a bit flat when we got into the dressing room and found out that the other sides who were struggling at the bottom had also won, but as it turned out the three points were hugely important just to set up the Hull game.

''The game this season was my second debut for Swansea, and that was a pretty good day as well.

''Hopefully, the good run against Rochdale will continue tonight.''

With two wins and a highly-encouraging draw with Third Division leaders Doncaster in their last three matches, Flynn's men head into the contest with growing optimism about their chances of reaching Division Two this summer.

''Attacking players especially rely on confidence and I think you can see that coming back,'' Tate continued.

''I thought we played some really good stuff against Doncaster and if we can keep performing like that we'll definitely be in with a shout.

''In a way it's frustrating because we always seem to do well against the better sides and not so well against the ones nearer the bottom of the table.

''We can't let that happen again against Rochdale. Things are looking brighter for us after a few decent results and we want to keep that run going.''

JAMES THOMAS has revealed his desperation to be Swansea City's goal-scoring hero again this season.

Thomas wrote his name in Vetch Field folklore last term when his final-day hat-trick spared the Swans from the misery of relegation to the Conference.

Almost 12 months on and Thomas' home-town club are entering the critical phase of an altogether different battle - to escape the Third Division via the opposite end of the table.

Last season's leading scorer, though, has been little more than a frustrated on-looker for much of Swansea's roller-coaster promotion campaign.

A combination of injuries and the explosive form of summer arrival Lee Trundle have conspired to make Thomas no more than a bit-part player over the past six months. But, with just 13 games left to go, Thomas, eyeing a rare starting place when Swansea clash with struggling Rochdale tonight, wants one last chance to rescue his nightmare season.

With Trundle not yet fully recovered from injury and Brian Flynn struggling to bring in striking reinforcements, Thomas has pleaded with the Swans boss to give him the chance to be the talk of the Vetch once more.

"I'd love to get back on the scoresheet and maybe grab some of the headlines again," admitted the 25-year-old. "As a fellow striker, there have been times this season where I've just had to take my hat off to Lee and sit and admire some of his and the team's performances.

"But I feel that if I'm given a run in the team, I can also score goals. I proved that last season and I'm desperate to get the chance to do it again. For this club to achieve promotion after almost going out of the league last season would be massive - and I just want to be a part of that.

"I know the manager has been looking to bring in a new striker but, from a purely personal point of view, it would be better if he didn't."

Last season Thomas fired 15 goals in 42 league and cup appearances, including that unforgettable treble in the 4-2 defeat of Hull that preserved Swansea's League status.

This year it has been a different story. The Swansea-born striker has only three goals to his name having been given just eight starts.

"I know I've had a fair number of injury problems, but I've been available for lots of games and just not been selected," Thomas said.

"I've had a game here and a game there... but never really been given a decent run.

"What would be brilliant is if I could have a run of four or five matches. You need a few games to get your full match fitness back. And I'm confident that if I had that, I could get a few goals.

"I don't want to be playing reserve team football, I have to be honest about that.

"This season has been so frustrating for me that, if we missed out on promotion, it would probably have to go down as one to forget."

The curse seemingly hanging over Thomas struck again last month when he picked up a shin injury in a reserve game and was out for a fortnight.

It was during Thomas' lay-off that Trundle damaged a hamstring that forced him to miss the 1-0 win at Cambridge and Friday's 1-1 home draw against Doncaster.

But, having made rapid progress in his recovery, Swansea's 20-goal top-scorer could make a surprise return on the subs' bench tonight with a view to a starting place at Southend on Saturday.

Flynn has not given up his pursuit of Rochdale striker Paul Connor, though it is unlikely he would be allowed to feature for Swansea if a deal was completed in time for the Lancashire club's visit.

With the gap on the play-off places down to seven points, Thomas insists a win is a must against a Dale side third from bottom after their 2-0 defeat at Boston at the weekend.

"After the results against Cambridge and Doncaster, I think our situation is looking brighter than it did a couple of weeks ago," said Thomas.

"But this is another big week for us and we have to continue to make sure we don't slip up. Rochdale are struggling and will put up a fight - we know what it's like as we were in that position last season - but this has to be a home win."

Stuart Roberts BLASTED former boss Lawrie Sanchez after earning Swansea City a point against Doncaster Rovers last night, revealing that his sweet strike had ended a two-and-a-half year Wycombe nightmare. The former Welsh Under-21 winger lashed out following a show-stopping performance which narrowly failed to down the Third Division leaders, hailing Brian Flynn as the saviour of his career.

''Lawrie Sanchez destroyed me as a player and a person,'' said Roberts, signed for £100,000 in 2001 by the new Northern Ireland manager during his time in charge of Wycombe.

''In front of the rest of the players, he told me at half-time and after matches that I was a waste of money and a waste of time.

''It's been hell for my family. They can't get over how I lasted two and a half years at Wycombe.

''I played the first six games when I left Swansea and created nine goals, but the honeymoon was over after six weeks.

''After that I was in the reserves and I found it tough down there. I think it was because things had gone so well for me at Swansea and I had worked under some lovely managers like John Hollins and Colin Addison who were always trying to build my confidence up.

''Lawrie Sanchez said a lot of personal things about a lot of players, but it's difficult to take when you're told you're a waste of space. It was a real kick in the teeth.''

Roberts continued: ''I kept trying in training but putting a smile on my face was hard. I wasn't the same person at Wycombe.

''I've gone backwards as a player since I left Swansea, but now I'm back and the buzz was back for me last night.

''I was very nervous before the game, but the goal settled me down and it was a fantastic feeling - my last was in February 2003.

''I was on my own in Wycombe and I'm just happy to be back this side of the Severn Bridge. I can't see myself leaving again in a hurry.

''I've got the feeling back again, and there's no doubt Brian Flynn has saved my career."

On his second full home debut, Roberts's dazzling display might have inspired Swansea to a third straight win against the Third Division leaders.

And even though Doncaster grabbed a deserved equaliser in a pulsating contest, Flynn had special praise for his latest acquisition.

''Stuart was outstanding,'' he purred.

''He was a constant threat and showed that he has loved coming home.

''On that evidence, there's no doubt he is capable of rediscovering the sort of form he produced before he left.''

Swansea's director of football revealed that he is still hopeful of signing striker Paul Connor from Rochdale before the Lancashire club to Vetch Field on Tuesday night.

Roberts, meanwhile, had a final word for his old boss ahead of the World Cup qualifiers next autumn. ''I hope Wales stuff Northern Ireland,'' he admitted.

A Very fine advert for Third Division football, and quite a promo, too, for Swansea City's claim to a place alongside Doncaster Rovers on the next rung of the Nationwide League ladder next season.

This was a scintillating contest, packed with moments of quality that have been all too rare at Vetch Field since the early days of this campaign.

''If Swansea play like that, then they will cause any team in this division problems.'' said Rovers boss Dave Penney.

''They were as good as any of the sides we've come up against on the night. But we caused them problems too and I think a draw was a fair result.

''It was some advert for Third Division football.''

Brian Flynn joined in the backslapping, adding: ''That was all about two sides attacking each other and I think in terms of entertainment that has to rate 10 out of 10.

''There will not be too many better games than that in this division this season and we have to be pleased to have got a point against the best side.''

Pleased maybe, but not delighted.

Doncaster, with wingers JJ Melligan and especially Michael McIndoe among the best performers in the Nationwide League basement, are heading out of it via the automatic promotion route.

Swansea, still seven points off the play-off spots with those above to play today, remain outsiders to win a place in Division Two.

''There are still plenty of games to go and Swansea can push back into the play-offs,'' added Vetch old boy Penney.

''But I think the top seven or eight teams have pulled away a bit and Swansea are one of two or three who are just trying to hang on to their coat-tails at the moment.

''They will think they really need to be winning games like this if they are going to make it.''

Flynn was keen to be upbeat, though, encouraged as he was by his side's performance if not the result.

This was comfortably their best showing in the absence of Lee Trundle since the 20-goal top-scorer arrived in South Wales last summer.

Doncaster had a hand in that. Unlike so many other Vetch visitors since Swansea's flying start, Rovers came hunting for a maximum-point haul rather than the one they finished up with.

That meant space for Flynn's men to play in, and given that they displayed the attacking flair that has been suffocated by some of the league's 10-men-behind-the-ball merchants.

Just as at the start of the season, when the unknown factor made for similarly open contests, there were gaps at the other end too.

It meant some spectacle, a treat for those among the 8,000 crowd who might not have been present had their been a fixture clash with Wales's Six Nations encounter with France.

Doncaster had their chances in the first-half, centre-back Mark Albrighton going closest when he headed McIndoe's free-kick against the bar.

That effort was sandwiched by two close shaves inspired by excellent Stuart Roberts crosses, though, and it was a deserved lead that Swansea snatched six minutes before the interval.

One of many long Brian Murphy punts was flicked on by the hard-working Kevin Nugent, allowing Roberts to banish two and a half years of Wycombe misery to memory.

A couple of neat touches and a classy finish had the Llanelli flyer dancing in front of the North Bank just as he had done before his Tony Petty-induced departure in the autumn of 2001.

Swansea's slender advantage might have been a decisive lead early in the second period when the returning hero combined with one of his successors.

Leon Britton's tenacity sent Roberts scooting down the right flank, but when he squared for the ex-West Ham man in the penalty area Rovers keeper Andy Warrington saved with his legs.

Within two minutes of the missed opportunity, the visitors were level.

Kristian O'Leary, largely impressive playing out of position on the right side of defence, stretched in vain to clear Tim Ryan's lofted pass and McIndoe was in ahead of the advancing Murphy.

With the young goalkeeper stranded, Chris Brown lashed home his winger's pull-back from close range.

''It was a quick counter-attack which meant Kris was off balance, and Brian made the decision to try to come for the ball, '' said Flynn.

''I won't be criticising him, though, because he made a number of other decisions which saved us later in the game.''

The defensive mix-up might not have mattered - within seconds of the restart Roberts raced onto Roberto Martinez's measured pass only to his see his left shot deflect off Warrington and narrowly over the bar.

The former Welsh Under-21 international stood with head in hands, just as Jon Coates did moments later when he could only head Andy Robinson's cross straight into the keeper's arms.

Doncaster emerged the better from a round of handbags centring around Dave Mulligan's foul on Britton, forcing a last-ditch clearance from O'Leary before a decent penalty shout was turned down.

By now the game was frantic, Murphy tipping another Brown effort round the post and then Roberts going close again at the other end.

There was one more scare for Warrington, when Britton could not reach substitute James Thomas's appetising cross, before a crazy closing spell when Swansea threw men forward in the hunt for a winner but ended up scrambling to save a point.

First Murphy saved superbly from Brown, then Izzy Iriekpen was on hand to keep out the on-loan Sunderland striker's point-blank next effort.

Finally Swansea were grateful to their fledgling keeper deep in injury time when Rovers replacement Adebayo Akinfenwa had looked odds on to score from little more than a couple of yards.

All of a sudden the home side were breathing a sigh of relief when earlier they had been ruing their failure to clinch a third straight victory.

''In a way there are mixed emotions because we might have won the game,'' admitted Flynn.

''But at 1-0 you've got no cushion, and I'm pleased with the performance - it's a while since we've played as well as that in the league in front of our own fans.

''You can see the confidence is coming back to the players, and we know that if we carry on playing like that we'll have a good chance of making the play-offs because we'll beat most teams.

''We're three games unbeaten now, and it's just a matter of keeping that going.''

Lenny Johnrose has pleaded with Brian Flynn to tell him what lies around the corner for his Swansea City career - even if he is heading down a dead end. The honest midfielder, 34 last November, accepts that his Swansea contract may not be renewed this summer.

But what he finds harder to swallow is the waiting to find out if a new offer is likely to be forthcoming.

"I have already been in to see Brian Flynn a couple of times," says Johnrose, "because I want to know.

"I appreciate that from the gaffer's point of view it might be early and he probably wants to keep his cards close to his chest, but I think I speak for a lot of players when I say that I would like to find out now.

"I would have liked to have known last month, but he's not saying anything to anyone.

"Maybe it's because there might still be almost three months left of the season if we make the play-offs, I can understand that.

"I like to think I get on with the gaffer pretty well, though, and it's not going to change things if he tells me I'm not going to have my contract renewed."

The well-trotted out theory come springtime is that players told they will not be staying on beyond the summer will soon part company with all commitment to the cause.

It is a suggestion Johnrose dismisses.

"I can take a bit of bad news," he insists, "I'm not a kid anymore after all.

"I'm not going to spit the dummy out if I'm told I won't be kept on - it's not the worst thing in the world that can happen to you.

"After 15 years in the game I'll admit that the last two or three seasons, when I've been called in the day after the last game to be told whether I'll be released or not, have been a bit of an eye opener for me.

"It was bad the first time it happened to me but it's not going to break my heart now."

Lancashire born and bred, Johnrose will almost certainly return to the North-West should the curtain fall on his Swansea career.

And after a campaign hindered by injuries, you get the impression that he is half-expecting to go home this summer.

But he adds: "If Brian Flynn turns round and offers me another contract then great.

"But right now I'm not planning my life around that happening.

"It's difficult to predict what will happen at the club in the next couple of months, there are so many possible scenarios.

"We could bomb from now on in, finish in mid-table and leave the gaffer thinking that he has to change things round for next season because we weren't good enough.

"On the other hand we could win promotion through the play-offs and then he'll be asking himself if this squad is good enough to compete in Division Two."

Still, Swansea's midfield powerhouse, a huge influence in the club's successful survival bid last season following his release by Bury, would like some pointers.

Whatever Flynn says about a fresh deal, Johnrose is adamant his desire to be involved in the final play-off push will not wane.

"You just ask my wife what I've been like lately," adds the former Burnley player, absent since limping out of the goalless draw with Cheltenham back in January.

"The injuries have been doing my head in.

"I pulled my calf in the first half against Cheltenham, then my hamstring went in the second. After three weeks I thought they'd both cleared up, but I trained ahead of the Tranmere game and the calf went again.

"I returned to training again this week and, hopefully, I could be in contention for the Rochdale game on Tuesday night.

"I've played something like 25 games when fit this season, and the target is to add a few more to that now."

Johnrose continued: "It's not like there's no incentive to get back - we've got plenty to play for as I see it.

"There's always someone that comes out of the pack every single season, and with a few teams above us still to play, we can be that side this year.

"I'm not stupid, but I'm cautiously optimistic.

"Last season we knew a good run would keep us safe because other teams at the bottom were not going to be winning every week.

"This season the sides we're competing with are winning regularly, but all we can do is try to get our own form right and see where it gets us."

Jonathan Coates is determined to help Swansea City to the top seven and banish his own play-off nightmares. Twice the 29-year-old midfielder has made it to the end-of-season lottery, only to suffer defeat with the Swans.

In 1999, as part of John Hollins's side, Coates experienced the heartache against Scunthorpe in the two-legged semi-final.

Two years earlier it was misery again as Jan Molby's team cruelly lost in the final at Wembley to Northampton in the dying seconds.

John Frain's twice-taken free-kick - taken again because Coates was adjudged to have broken from the wall too early - saw the Cobblers win 1-0.

Those defeats may have put Coates off getting there again, but he wants a third chance.

Although he knows it will be hard for Swansea to get there this season, he reckons it can be done, and just reaching the play-offs should be incentive enough.

''It's like a lottery in the play-offs,'' he said.

''You have to go those extra couple of weeks at the end of the season, but obviously it's a bigger letdown if you don't get there.

''They are fantastic to play in. You really want to play your heart out, the crowds are bigger and the atmosphere is fantastic.

''I want to get there again, although losing was very disappointing.

''The Northampton game was unbelievable and it would be fantastic to put it right.

''We can get there, but we have to set off on a winning run now.

''If we can do that then we will be the side who are in form.

''I would rather scrape in the play-offs than be in the top all season and miss out. At least you have that extra chance.''

Coates has worked his way back into Brian Flynn's side after being on the edge of the squad for most of the season.

Delighted to have be given his opportunity, Coates is determined to grasp it with both hands.

''Luckily, with others getting injured I have come in,'' he said.

''I have been given my chance and as long as we keep winning then that will be okay for me. I am just grateful to be in the side again.''

Coates reckons that to make the play-offs Swansea will have to rediscover their early-season form and knows he has to play a part in that.

''We were flying then and we've lost our way a bit,'' he admitted.

''Lee Trundle was scoring goals and others were chipping in.

''Recently that hasn't been happening.

''We have to start getting goals from other sources. We have been getting forward as a team well but the final ball into the box has not been good.

''I have to play my part in that and we now have Brad Maylett and Stuart Roberts on the right.

''Hopefully we can provide the crosses for the goals to be scored. We have to, otherwise we will not make the play-offs and that will be a major disappointment.''

Rochdale boss Steve Parkin will be hoping that old pal Sam Allardyce will give him a helping hand ahead of Tuesday's re-arranged trip to Swansea. The Bolton manager has already gone out of his way by lending centre-half Danny Livesey, wideman Jeff Smith and midfielder Kangana Lord-N'Diwa to the Spotland club, although Smith and Lord-N'Diwa have now been recalled by Bolton.

But with Livesey due to return to the Reebok after today's clash with Boston, Parkin will look to big Sam again.

Parkin has had plenty of time on his hands to try to rebuild his squad as he bids to stave off a relegation battle.

Last Saturday's game at Vetch Field fell foul of the weather and Tuesday's clash at Spotland against leaders Doncaster was also postponed because of a frozen pitch.

The Rochdale manager is grateful to old pal Allardyce after finding it hard to bring in new men.

''I heard someone complain the other day that we had signed another player from Bolton, but people who are complaining need to sit in my office and see what it is like trying to bring players in,'' said Parkin.

''I spoke to Steve McMahon (Blackpool manager) at our reserve game the other day and he has been desperate to bring players in, too, but unfortunately the game is changing and nobody seems to want to help anyone out.

''We are very fortunate to have an ally in big Sam Allardyce and to have such a good relationship with a club like Bolton.

''Danny Livesey has defended really well in the games that he has been at the club.

''It would be great to get him to return until the end of the season.''

Swansea will be looking for their first double of the season on Tuesday after winning 1-0 at Spotland in October.

Mark Wilson was on target for Brian Flynn's men on that day and the director of football will be targeting another success.

Parkin took over from Alan Buckley two months after that defeat but his second spell at the club has so far not been as successful as his first.

He left Spotland to take over at Barnsley in October 2002.

Rochdale were then in a good position and were pushing for promotion.

They eventually lost out in the play-offs under ex-Swans boss John Hollins.

Parkin's first stint in charge saw the club play 127 games, win 51, lose 37 and draw 39.

He regained control on New Year's Eve last year, but this time the team has struggled.

Seven games - before today - have brought only two wins, while there have been three defeats and two draws.

Parkin has recalled Lee McEvilly from his loan spell at Accrington Stanley, but insists the move has nothing to do with Swansea's interest in Paul Connor.

''We had a look at the players available to us on Saturday and with the injuries picked up by Pat McCourt and Scott Warner we are struggling to muster 16 fit players,'' Parkin told the club's official website.

''We have one of the smallest squads in the league to start with, but with the injuries it means we need all the bodies we can get.''

Goal-scorer Stuart Roberts believes Swansea can compete with the best after holding Division Three leaders Doncaster to a 1-1 draw at the Vetch.
"We're disappointed we haven't won the game but grateful for our good performance," Roberts, recently re-signed from Wycombe, said

"We should have won but we could have lost it, it was one of those games.

"The performance should kick-start the season and give us confidence to make the play-offs."

Roberts was sold during the reign of former chairman Tony Petty but is now back at the Vetch until at least the end of the season.

Roberts rejoins Swansea

Roberts, a Wales Under-21 international, was delighted to cap his return with a goal.

"It was a great relief for me," Roberts added. "I've had two-and-a-half tough years, it's been lonely up there and my love for the club is such that I'm delighted to have scored."

Chris Brown rescued a point for Third Division leaders Doncaster after Roberts had put Swansea ahead from Kevin Nugent's flick-on.

Wales' football legend John Charles is to be honoured during a national memorial service in his home city of Swansea.
Charles, dubbed the 'Gentle Giant', died last month aged 72 after falling ill in Italy.

His funeral took place in Leeds on St David's Day, but there have been calls for a service to remember him in his home country.

It has now been revealed that a service will take place in April. It is expected to be attended by some of the most famous names in football, including harles' former team-mates from the 1958 World Cup.

Several leading guests have been invited to honour the ex-Wales and Juventus star, including First Minister Rhodri Morgan.

Charles's widow, Glenda, will present her late husband's ashes to the city of Swansea.

She described him as a "fiercely proud" Welshman.

"I want his final resting place to be at home in Swansea," she said.

"I am honoured that the city of Swansea is hosting the national memorial service to celebrate John's life.

"It will be a fitting tribute and offer many people the chance to attend and remember John."

There are also plans for a statue of the 6ft 2ins star to be erected at the £24m White Rock Stadium, the new home of football and rugby in Swansea.

Lawrence Bailey, Lord Mayor of Swansea, described Charles as one of Swansea's most famous sons.

"The city is honoured to stage the national memorial service for John Charles," he said.

"He was loved and respected wherever he went. He was also a proud Welshman and proud of his Swansea roots.

"It is fitting that Swansea, where John was born and began and ended his career, will host this celebration of his life."

The ceremony will take place at Swansea's Brangwyn Hall on Monday 19 April at 1430 GMT.

STAYING PUT... Paul Connor is set to remain at Spotland.

PAUL Connor remains a Dale player for now after a move to Swansea broke down this week.

The striker spoke to City boss Brian Flynn at Spotland on Monday, but didn’t travel to South Wales as reported on Wednesday and is in the squad for this afternoon’s relegation battle with Boston.

As exclusively revealed in last Saturday’s Observer Sport, the Swans are interested in capturing Rochdale’s record signing to boost their outside chance of a play-off spot.

But after making an initial offer - believed to be around £35,000 - on Monday morning they didn’t follow up with a bigger bid and any chance of signing Connor in time for last night’s match against Doncaster were scuppered.

Dale manager Steve Parkin said: “I know what Paul can do and I want him to stay at Rochdale. We need to keep as many of our best players as we can for next season and he is one of them."

“I had a long chat with him this week and he knows he’s not done the business this season. But he’s still very committed to this club and wants to get on with playing and scoring goals for Rochdale.”

“We must have one of the smallest squads in the league and to sell Paul wouldn’t make sense,” he added.

Connor hasn’t netted for six months, but showed signs of a burgeoning partnership with new signing Grant Holt in the impressive win against Mansfield.

Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins suggested Dale had been the problem in the transfer to the Vetch Field not going through.

“Rochdale are the snag at the moment,” he said. “It seems a definite ploy to up the fee. I’m not saying it’s a complete u-turn, it’s a just situation where we thought we’d agreed a deal, but then it changed.”

But his opposite number, David Kilpatrick, denied barriers had been placed in the way of the move.

“It’s a load of rubbish to say there’s a snag at our end,” he said. “Swansea made a bid for Connor. The board have investigated and discussions have taken place with the player."

“I personally don’t want Paul Connor to leave at the moment,” he added.

Parkin will be doubly glad of the striker’s services after seeing his squad reduced to the bare bones by injuries and suspensions.

Daryl Burgess will finally complete his ban by sitting out the game at York Street, while Patrick McCourt (dead leg) and Scott Warner (ankle) picked up knocks in the reserves’ 4-0 defeat by Stockport on Wednesday night.

Dale have lost the services of loanee Jeff Smith, who was recalled by Bolton after just one game. But it looks likely defender Danny Livesey will stay for another month on loan from the Reebok.

Striker Lee McEvilly has been recalled from Accrington to boost numbers.

Parkin, meanwhile, has been casting an eye over experienced Hull City left-back Shaun Smith.