Ollie Jefferies | Lapse in concentration proved costly

Coach Ollie Jefferies felt a lapse in concentration had cost Swansea City Under-18s as they suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat at Bristol City.

The Swans had a number of chances in the Professional Development League clash, with Aimar Govea, Rohan Davies and Thomas Woodward heavily involved.

But the Robins took the lead with 10 minutes to go as Brandon Bak's header found the back of the net and they held on to claim victory.

It was the Swans third consecutive defeat in the league, but Jefferies is aiming to finishing the year on a high when they host Bournemouth on December 16 (12.30pm).

“The weather conditions really affected the game for both teams,” said Jefferies.

“Balls were even running straight through to the goalkeeper one way or holding up in the wind when going the other. 

”In a game where the conditions affected the quality of football the first goal was always going to be important.

“A lapse in concentration defending our box and the quality of our decision making at times with the ball has ultimately stopped us getting what probably would have been a fair point. 

“The key learning for our lads this week is understanding the demands of being a professional footballer.

“After the quality of performance and the high of winning at Ipswich in the FA Youth Cup on Tuesday, the reality of professional football is you have to recover and go again on Saturday.

“It’s one thing talking about it but it’s another thing living it. The lads will all be better for it in the long run going through this week’s experience.

“The spirit and willingness to battle from this group has always been there. The lads have given everything for each other and our staff during the first half of the season.

“We’ll aim to finish the year as strong as we can now before the lads have a well-deserved break.”