Report | Swansea City U18s 2 Bristol City U18s 0
First-half goals from Zane Myers and Iwan Morgan ensured Swansea City Under-18s claimed all three points against Bristol City in their Professional Development League clash at Landore.
The Swans led through Myers’ header with 20 minutes played, and they doubled their lead before the break when Morgan had finessed a smart finish past the keeper for his 19th goal of the season.
It was a lead the hosts retained throughout the second half as they claimed a comfortable victory over the Robins.
Cameron Llewellyn was handed his first start of the season, whilst Jada Mawongo, Sam Parker and Josh Carey missed out, with Thomas Woodward and David Roberts coming into the team.
Morgan also returned to the squad following suspension.
It proved an even opening with a Myers’ run catching the visitors cold on the left flank, but he was unable to pick out Morgan in the middle.
Swansea keeper Ewan Griffiths was then equal to a Marley Rose effort after the forward had broken through.
The hosts had a few more encouraging moments, with Morgan unable to finish a fine move also involving Woodward and Geoff Bony.
But the pressure from the hosts was mounting and it was no surprise when they took the lead.
Myers – who had netted against Bristol City in the reverse fixture back in October – headed home after an excellent delivery from Llewellyn.
Bristol looked to hit back immediately, Billy Phillips causing problems down the Swansea left to set up skipper Kai Churchley, who sent his volley wide of the target.
But the Swans dealt with the visitors’ pressure well and were soon two goals to the good through in-form striker Morgan.
He chased down Bony’s through ball and sent Robins keeper Joseph Duncan the wrong way after advancing on goal.
Nearing the interval, Roberts and Bony both saw long-range shots blocked by Bristol defenders, before Churchley’s deflected effort was palmed away by Griffiths right on half-time.
The Swans started the second-half brightly. Woodward – who had been dangerous in the centre – neatly picked out Bony on the edge of the area, but the striker’s resulting shot was well held by Duncan.
Myers looked to turn provider for Morgan, whipping a high-cross into the Bristol box, but the Welshman was unable to connect.
The Robins pressed for a way back into the game, but Arthur Parker and Richard Faakye proved alert and made key clearances for the Swans.
The visitors did almost pull one back just before the final whistle. A clever flick from Reuben Shepherd fell to Callum Hutton, but Griffiths was able to tip away the final effort
The introductions of Rohan Davies and Callum Deacon - making his debut at this level - from the bench saw the Swans tweak formation, Deacon playing a wonderful ball into the path of Davies, but nothing came of the opportunity.
But it did not matter in the final analysis as the Swans claimed all three points.
Swansea City Under-18s: Ewan Griffiths, David Roberts, Richard Faakye, Jacob Cook (Callum Deacon 65'), Arthur Parker, Dan Watts, Cameron Llewellyn (Yori Griffith 55'), Thomas Woodward, Geoff Bony, Iwan Morgan (Rohan Davies 76'), Zane Myers (Caio Ifans 78').
Unused subs: Kit Margetson.
Bristol City Under-18s: Joseph Duncan, Max Davies, Taine Anderson, Callum Hewlett (Zak King-Phillips 65'), Jed Meerholz, Zack Ali, Raekwan Nelson, Marley Rose, Callum Hutton, Kai Churchley (Jaden Brown 59'), Billy Phillips.
Unused subs: Sam West, Jaiden Foxwell.