Swansea City Under-18s Brighton Premier League South
7th November
A goal in each half ended Swansea City Under-18s' chances of extending their unbeaten league run at Landore on Saturday.
Both sides started brightly as Swansea keeper Lewis Thomas saved Luis Garcia's effort from the edge of the area before Jack Watts' curling corner forced Robert Sanchez in the Brighton goal to punch clear during the first quarter of an hour.
Brandon Griffiths and Aaron Lewis also came close with chances for the scholars before Brighton broke the deadlock through midfielder Archie Davies on 35 minutes.
The Swans looked to get back on level terms before the break, with Tom Dyson going close just before half-time.
Swansea continued to attack in the second half, but Joe Rodon's looping header was off target before another teasing cross from Mael Davies almost found Griffiths in the box.
Despite continued chances from the Swans, it was Brighton who doubled their lead on 64 minutes when substitute Tom Byrne tapped home from close range after a good initial save from Thomas.
The hosts continued to push to get something from the game but efforts from Griffiths and substitute Liam Cullen went begging.
And despite the defeat, coach Eric Ramsay believes his side were unlucky to lose out at Landore.
"We are pleased with the performance but disappointed with the result," he said."I don't feel as though the players got what they deserved from the game today.
"I feel we dominated possession for the majority of the game but what has cost us is not concentrating and letting two mistakes cost us.
"Once again we created plenty of chances but have failed to convert them.
"However, we have come a long way compared to when we played Brighton back in August - our last two results before this one have shown that."
An Under-19s side are back in action on Sunday (November 8) afternoon as the Swans begin this season's campaign in the FAW Youth Cup at home to Mid Wales side Llanidloes Town (2pm).
"We will bring in fresh legs for Sunday's game," Ramsay continued.
"The squad will be bolstered by some of the younger players from the Under-21s' squad due to the fact the side don't play until later this month.
"We will look to field as fresh a side as possible as we set out to retain the title we won last season."
SWANS U18s: Lewis Thomas (Capt), Mael Davies, Aaron Lewis, Jack Evans, Joe Rodon, Conor Quigley, Liam Edwards (Liam Cullen, 65), Tom Dyson, Brandon Griffiths, Jack Watts, Keiran Evans
SUBS NOT USED: Sean Hanbury, Alex Lang, Marco Dulca, Causso Darame
