Report: Swans U23s 1 Derby County U23s 1

Swansea City Under-23s were held to a 1-1 draw by Derby County in their first home game of the Premier League 2 season.

Ikechi Anya’s stunning effort cancelled out Adnan Maric’s first-half strike as the spoils were shared at Landore.

The Swans also had new signing Josh Gould to thank for their first point of the new campaign, as the goalkeeper marked his debut with a brilliant penalty save to deny Cameron Cresswell.

Meanwhile, Derby finished the game with 10 men after Max Bird was given his marching orders for a high foot on George Byers, who captained the young Swans.

Gould was one of three changes made to the side beaten at Leicester last week, with Keston Davies and Marco Dulca also coming into the starting XI.

Derby were on the front foot in the early stages of the contest and were awarded a penalty in the 12th minute when Alex Babos was brought down by Aaron Lewis.

However, Gould guessed correctly to push away Cresswell’s effort.

Babos then sent a good opportunity wide, while Lewis and Courtney Baker-Richardson were also narrowly off target before the Swans took the lead in the 28th minute..

Maric reacted quickly to latch onto the loose ball after a Byers block and calmly slotted through the legs of Henrich Ravas.

The visitors were reduced to 10 men six minutes after the break, as Bird’s late challenge left referee Richard Hulme with no choice but to produce a straight red card.

However, they continued to battle and were rewarded with the equaliser 14 minutes from time, as Anya latched onto a crossfield ball before arrowing a sublime half-volley into the top corner beyond a helpless Gould.

Both sides pushed for a winner, with Gould producing a fine save to deny Chris Martin in stoppage time and ensure it finished honours even at Landore.

Swans U23s: Josh Gould, Tyler Reid, Aaron Lewis, Ryan Blair, Keston Davies, Brandon Cooper, Adnan Maric, Marco Dulca (Jordon Garrick, 65), Courtney Baker-Richardson (Botti Biabi, 69), George Byers (capt), Liam Cullen.

Subs not used: Nathan Shepperd, Joe Lewis, Kees De Boer.

Derby U23s: Henrich Ravas, Joe Bateman, Ikechi Anya, Max Bird, Ethan Wassall, Calum Macdonald, Aaron Eyoma, Kellan Gordon, Chris Martin, Cameron Cresswell (Kyle McAllister, 61), Alex Babos (Capt) (Callum Guy, 61).

Subs not used: Josh Barnes, Max Hunt, Josh Shonibare.