Report | Baglan Dragons 1 Swansea City U21s 1 (5-3 penalties)
Swansea City Under-21s were knocked out of the Nathaniel MG Cup as Baglan Dragons came out on top in a penalty shootout.
Sammy Henia-Kamau, fresh off signing his first professional contract, had the age-grade side ahead at the 10-minute mark, heading in from Ben Lloyd’s fine assist.
But the hosts were level just three minutes later as a solo run from Dylan Thomas was finished off with a strike into the bottom corner.
There was no further score and it was Baglan who advanced to the second round as they scored all five of their spot-kicks, with Henia-Kamau unable to find the net for the Swans.
The visitors, runners-up in the competition last term, fielded a young squad consisting mainly of first and second-year scholars.
Under-18s’ players Ramon Rees-Siso, Henia-Kamau and Josh Pescatore were all handed their first starts for the upper-age group.
The Swans controlled the opening stages, showing patience in possession as Harry Jones, Sebastian Dabrowski and Mitchell Bates saw plenty of the ball.
Baglan got themselves in the Swans box following a rare early attack from a throw-in in their half, but the move was ended by a sharp shave from Kit Margetson.
Instead it was the Swans who took the lead, Lloyd produced an accurate high cross that Henia-Kamau met to turn in the opener.
But the visitors' lead did not last long. Thomas' pace bypassed the Swansea backline and he struck from outside the box to find the net as Margetson just failed to get fingertips to his effort.
Rees-Siso, on his debut, saw his volley soar well over the bar before Jacob Cook fired a low effort straight into the hands of Mathew Stanton from a Swans corner.
A superb slide-rule ball from Bates created the next chance, but Henia-Kamau could not get on the end of it to tap in from close range.
It was an end-toend contest after the restart. Swansea coming closest when Thomas Woodward's rebound is taken by Henia-Kamau, but it was well blocked by Keiran Parsons.
The scores were level at the break but it remained an entertaining contest.
Henia-Kamau saw an effort blocked while substitute Thomas Woodward saw his shot graze the woodwork.
The Swans continued to press with Lloyd just unable to pick out Henia-Kamau after an excellent run.
Lloyd was soon involved again, but this time at the other end, putting in a strong tackle to deny Thomas in the six-yard box.
Baglan looked to have won it seven minutes from time when a long-range free-kick found the back of the net, but it was ruled offside.
With no winner forthcoming the tie went to penalties, and goalscorer Henia-Kamau stepped up first for the Swans, only to see his shot well saved my Stanton.
Lloyd, Bates and Woodward all scored their own spot-kicks but Baglan advanced as they proved faultless from 12 yards.
Swansea City Under-21s: Kit Margetson, Harry Jones, Sebastian Dabrowski, Mitchell Bates, Iestyn Jones, Jacob Cook, Josh Pescatore (Thomas Woodward 45), Glory Nzingo, Sammy Henia-Kamau, Ben Lloyd, Ramon Rees-Siso (Harlan Perry 73)
Unused Substitutes: Aidan Higgins, Sam Seager, Brogan Popham, Kiel Higginson, Billy Clarke.