Joel Latibeaudiere | We needed to make more of first-half performance

Swansea City defender Joel Latibeaudiere says their second-half showing at Bristol City underlined the importance of making the most of periods where they are on top in games.

The Swans had looked comfortable in the first half of the Emirates FA Cup third-round tie at Ashton Gate and took a deserved lead through Joel Piroe; the Dutchman slotting home after Liam Cullen had picked off a loose clearance from Robins goalkeeper Max O'Leary.

The second half was a much more even contest as the home side committed more and more bodies forward in search of an equaliser, and Swansea were unable to regain the control they’d had for much of the opening period.

Antoine Semenyo equalised late on to send the tie to a replay, and Latibeaudiere wants lessons to be learned.

“In the first half, I thought we were really good,” he said.

“We started off a bit slow and conceded a couple of early free-kicks, but I felt like the reaction to that was great.

“We have put so much work into moving the ball and played with so much intensity, but I also feel like we can’t come in at half-time only 1-0 up after a first-half performance like that.

“In the second half, we knew they were going to have a spell because they’re at home and the crowd is up.

"Every team has a spell in home games, and we just didn’t match it. It’s disappointing to come away with a draw especially after the performance in the first half.

“It’s a good reminder that if we drop in intensity and go away from what we believe in and what we work on, then teams can get a goal and a result against us.”

However, progression in the cup is still on the cards for the Swans as they get set for a replay with Bristol City in SA1, and Latibeaudiere and the rest of the team are hoping to repay the supporters who travelled in huge numbers to support them in the original fixture.

“We all know what we need to do in the replay,” he added.

“We’re disappointed with a draw, especially for our fans because the away end was full and we appreciate that support so much.

“We really want to get through to the fourth round.”