Richards: U23s must be more clinical

Gary Richards reckons Swansea City Under-23s need to be more clinical following a 2-1 defeat against Manchester United in the Premier League International Cup.

The young Swans created several opportunities during a dominant first-half display at Leigh Sports Village, but the experience of James Wilson punished the visitors as the United striker scored twice after the break to give his team victory.

Wilson converted from the penalty spot before doubling the advantage minutes later, while the Swans pulled a goal back through Kenji Gorre’s spot-kick in stoppage time.

Despite defeat, Richards felt the Swans’ performance warranted more.

“In truth, we think we’re a bit unfortunate,” the under-23s coach said. “Our first-half performance was very good, but when you have a good 45 minutes at United, you have got to come out of it with something,”

“We created enough opportunities but needed to take one or two. You are always fearful that something will happen to change the momentum, which happened when they scored the first goal. They upped their levels a notch and ours dropped slightly.

“I think the penalty was a bit harsh. But when we do concede, the important thing is that we don’t concede another and make sure we stay in the game.

“We have to make sure that we dust ourselves down and get ready for the next league game. We’ve got a little break and then it’s back down to the hard work.”