Darren Davies hails "tremendous" performance in hard-fought draw

Coach Darren Davies hailed the performance of Swansea City Under-18s after their 2-2 draw against Birmingham City in the Professional Development League.

The Swans took a10th-minute lead through Dan Watts’ brilliant free-kick from outside the box, But Birmingham's O'Shea Ellis levelled for the visitors.

The home side were unable to capitalise on their chances and Alvaro Ruiz-Rente tapped in from close range in the opening stages of the second half to give Birmingham the lead, but the Swans hit back to earn a point as Richard Faakye converted from the penalty spot.

And, although the Swans did not claim all three points, Davies was pleased with the way the young Swans outfit expressed themselves on the pitch.

"I really enjoyed watching the game. I thoroughly enjoyed watching the young men looking to express themselves and playing with a smile on their face," said Davies.

"It was exciting, there was so much action and we created so many chances, and unfortunately, we couldn't put the winning goal away. 

"Our intensity out of possession was fantastic, our willingness to defend was great and our goals were great. 

"It was a great game and everybody in the stands was getting involved. Everyone really enjoyed it.

"We could have had three or four goals in the last 10 minutes, but the main thing is that the boys were positive and they expressed themselves in and around that final third.

"Even when we lost possession we were pressing. I said to the boys that it was a pleasure to watch, seeing them play with such energy."