Richards hails 'a great performance'

Gary Richards has paid tribute to Swansea City Under-23s following their five-star display against Derby County in Premier League 2.

The young Swans began 2019 with a bang by running out convincing 5-1 winners at Loughborough University Stadium on Monday.

Botti Biabi and Liam Cullen were both on target with two goals apiece as they closed the gap on 11th-placed Blackburn Rovers to four points.

Richards was delighted with his players’ efforts and has encouraged them to use the victory as a launchpad going into the second half of the season.

“It was a great performance from the boys and very pleasing that we got the points,” the under-23s coach said.

“We were hoping to start the year on the front foot and the boys have delivered that.

“We’ve had a couple of similar performances but not for 90 minutes, so we’re really pleased to have been able to do that tonight.

“We looked solid defensively and were a constant threat at the other end.

“The important thing now is we make sure we build on it.”