Report: Swans U23s 1 Hertha Berlin II 4

Swansea City Under-23s’ Premier League International Cup hopes are over following a 4-1 defeat by Hertha Berlin at Landore.

Will Siakim and Maurice Covic were on target for the German side in the first half while substitute Sidney Friede’s second-half double put the game beyond the Swans, for whom Keiran Evans’ wonderful finish proved to be a false dawn.

Having registered only one point from two games, the Swans can no longer progress to the knockout stages of the competition.

The hosts, who made seven changes from Monday’s defeat by Blackburn Rovers, created the better chances early on.

Liam Cullen shot straight at Jonathan Klinsmann after a neat turn, while George Byers’ fierce effort from a tight angle drew a fine save from the Hertha goalkeeper.

But it was the visitors who broke the deadlock in the 27th minute as Gregor Zabret could only parry a dangerous cross into the path of Siakim, who made no mistake from close range.

The Swans responded well and equalised nine minutes later following a swift counter that saw Byers provide a neat lay-off for Evans to bend a wonderful first-time effort into the top corner.

However, they fell behind again just before the break as Hertha capitalised on a poor clearance with Florian Krebs’ cross being turned in by Covic.

Hertha, whose elimination from the competition had already been confirmed, went close to adding a third in the second half with Zabret having to get down and push Nikos Zografakis’ long-range strike away from danger.

The third goal did arrive 15 minutes from time, albeit in controversial circumstances.

Zografakis’ cross was turned onto the underside of the bar by substitute Friede and, although the ball did not appear to bounce over the line, a goal was awarded.

And the Swans’ misery was completed in the third minute of stoppage time, when Friede ran in behind and calmly lifted over the advancing Zabret.

Swans U23s: Gregor Zabret, Tyler Reid, Aaron Lewis, Kees de Boer (Simon Paulet, 73), Cian Harries (capt), Joe Lewis, Yan Dhanda, Adam King, Liam Cullen (Botti Biabi, 80), George Byers, Keiran Evans (Jordon Garrick, 64).

Subs not used: Josh Gould, Oli Cooper, Tom Price, Brandon Cooper.

Hertha BSC II: Jonathan Klinsmann, Niko Koulis, Florian Egerer, Florian Krebs (Maximilian Storm, 60), Nikos Zografakis (Max Mulack 86), Tony Fuchs (capt), Rico Morack, Nils Blumberg, Will Siakam, Maurice Covic, Muhammed Kiprit (Sidney Friede, 69).

Subs not used: Maxim Hertel, Gordon Buch, Maurice Klehr, .

Photos By: Joe Moody