Ryan Davies pleased to round off 2023 with a deserved win from under-18s

Coach Ryan Davies was pleased to sign off 2023 on a positive note after Swansea City Under-18s claimed a brilliant 3-1 victory over AFC Bournemouth at Landore.

The Swans were 1-0 up inside three minutes with Rohan Davies converting from the spot after Thomas Woodward was fouled in the area. The visitors netted an equaliser before the break when Josh Salmon drilled the ball into an open net.

But Jacob Cook would put the Swans back in front before the hour-mark after sending a wonderful strike into the top corner, with Woodward sealing all three points by turning in Aimar Govea's cross in the final quarter.

Davies was pleased to see Swansea bounce back from three consecutive league defeats with a positive performance, on top of the age-grade side's recent success in the FA Youth Cup and the Professional Development League Cup.

"I think we did really well in the game. For us, we thought we should have had more goals going into half-time. The boys in possession were good, and we had many opportunities with crosses in the first half," said Davies.

"We were disappointed to go into the changing rooms at the break having conceded a goal. But to be fair to the boys, we gave them some information and they acted on that in the second half.

"We told them to be more aggressive and press them in their defensive third, and the boys got after it and started to force Bournemouth to go a bit longer.

"From then on, we controlled possession and managed to get two more goals. They dug in really deep, there were some great last-ditch tackles from Iestyn [Jones] and Arthur [Parker].

"All the boys put in a really good shift to see the game out and finish the game 3-1.

"They all worked their socks off, and that's what we expect of them. Rohan [Davies] and Woody [Thomas Woodward] have that quality in and around the box, and that's why they're both on great form.

"It was great to see Cookie [Jacob Cook] grab a goal too, and it was a fantastic one also.

"The boys will now have the chance to rest up, and spend some quality time with their families before we face Ipswich again after the new year."