Report | Swansea City U23s 2 Norwich City U23s 1
An injury time winner from Kees de Boer secured the three points for Swansea City Under-23s against Norwich City in Premier League 2 Division Two at Landore.
Ali Al-Hamadi opened the scoring with his first goal at under-23 level in the first half, before Akin Famewo put the game back on level terms after the break.
However, Dutchman De Boer sealed the victory for the hosts in the third minute of added time with a fine free-kick into the top corner.
Gary Richards and Cameron Toshack opted for a couple of alterations to the side that were beaten by Colchester United in the Premier League Cup last time out.
Jack Evans returned in the heart of midfield to captain the side, while Jake Thomas was recalled at centre-half.
There was also a first league appearance for under-18s goalkeeper Lewis Webb, as well as a maiden league start for Al-Hamadi.
The Swans’ first effort came in the third minute following a great run down the right from Ryan Bevan. The fullback found Liam Cullen, who crossed to De Boer, but the latter’s effort was deflected over the crossbar.
At the other end, Norwich were awarded a free-kick in a dangerous position but Fitzpatrick’s effort went straight into the grateful hands of Webb.
The Swans took the lead in the 14th minute as Al-Hamadi netted his first goal for the development side.
Some great play from Simon Paulet found Cullen and the striker whipped an inviting ball across the face of goal, with Al-Hamadi sliding in to provide the finishing touch from close range.
Soon after, Paulet saw a long-range effort cannon off the woodwork, while Cullen fired a powerful volley just wide minutes later as the hosts went in pursuit of a second goal.
Norwich keeper Joe Rose then made an important save from Will Rickard in the dying moments of the first half; getting down to push the midfielder's low strike around the post.
However, the Swans were pegged back 12 minutes into the second half as Famewo fired home after Webb had produced an impressive initial save to deny the visitors.
That spurred on the Canaries, who subsequently enjoyed a lengthy positive spell as they applied increasing amounts of pressure on the hosts' defence.
Nevertheless, the Swans weathered the storm and there was to be one final twist when they were awarded a free-kick in a dangerous position deep into stoppage time.
De Boer stepped up and whipped a terrific delivery into the top corner and beyond the despairing dive of Rose to snatch all three points.
Swansea City U23s: Lewis Webb, Ryan Bevan, Matthew Blake, Jack Evans ©, Cameron Evans, Jake Thomas, Will Rickard (Josh Thomas 71’), Kees de Boer, Liam Cullen, Simon Paulet, Ali Al-Hamadi (Arnor Gudjohnsen 78’).
Subs not used: Scott Butler, Tyler Evans, Erick Kenko.
Norwich City U23s: Joe Rose; Jordan Thomas, Timi Odusina (captain), Akin Famewo, Louis Lomas; Reece McAlear, Isak Thorvaldsson; Aiden Fitzpatrick, Gassan Ahadme, William Hondermarck (Shae Hutchinson 82'); Adam Idah.
Subs not used: William Johnson, Tom Scully, Sean Stewart.