Swansea - a match report

[The Post Master General]

City and Swansea played a largely uninspiring 0-0 draw in front of a packed Vetch Field. City perhaps arrived trying for a draw, with a 4-5-1 formation, with Yalcin supported by wide midfielders Stewart and Arthur.

Neither team was on top for most of the match, but what few chances that were created in the first half fell to Swansea - Connor had a goal ruled offside after Porter had made a save, and a number of threatening runs were made by Britton, but otherwise both defences were on top.

City's only chance in the first half was a header from a corner from Hope, which perhaps looked closer than it was, but City's defence dealt with much of Swansea's pressure effectively.

In the second half, again defences were on top, but Porter did make a few good saves from attempts from Trundle, Connor and Britton, with one save diving to his right being excellent.

City failed to have an attempt at goal in the second half of note, with Yalcin's 25 yarder trickling wide.

However the match was notable for the excellent atmosphere generated by the travelling support.

Porter 7 - A much improved performance. However he needs to work on consistancy if he wants to be City's number 1 next season.

Law 7 - Solid game from a good prospect.

Wood 8 - Again, sound defensively and good in the air.

Hope 9 - Excellent defensive display, handled Swansea's main threats very well. Hope he can be re signed.

Merris 7 - Solid defensively, not much going forward though.

Arthur 6 - Quite game, a few decent touches but not convinced yet - looks a bit lightweight for this level.

Ashcroft 7 - A great prospect. Calm, hard working player.

Brass 7 - A fighting display from Brass, not much going forward but some good tracking back.

Dunning 7 - Sound performance.

Stewart 6 - Not as good as last week - looks a threat when he has the ball, but City didn't really use his ability today.

Yalcin 5 - Has a lot to learn, although he has potential - struggled to hold the ball up today and perhaps tried too hard. Really needs a goal to build up his confidence.

Subs:

George 6 - Thought he was quite good at right midfield. Tricky player and will no doubt cause problems next season if kept on.

Haw 5 - Struggled to get in the game at times, but showed a few glimpses of his ability.

Overall there is without doubt a lot of work needed over the summer - firstly a commanding centre half is needed, and also we need to bring in a couple of goalscorers to play up front. Also a creative midfielder and a wideman would be useful additions to the squad. A goalkeeper could also be necessary.