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Gary Johnson promised action after Yeovil's fall from the top of
Division 3. Today's display surely justifies the week's decisions,
consigning any doubts of his ability to turn things around to the
archives. Yeovil competed on all fronts with a Swansea side that had
been scoring for fun.
Following three defeats the Gaffer switched to a 4-4-2 formation, drafting
in loan signing Ronny Bull at left back. Bull's presence added the
needed stability while he was always keen to push forward. Pluck
particularly seemed to relish the extra freedom and had a masterful game
at the centre of the defence. Crittenden and Williams formally filled
the wings but the Welshman often took the opportunity to drift into his
more familiar centre role. Adam Stansfield joined Kirk Jackson up front
in the wake of Kevin Gall's international duties. The casualties were
Yeovil wing-backs Lindegaard and El Kholti. Edwards, Terry, Gosling and
Rodrigues joined Collis on the bench.
The first action of the game, Nugent's foul on O'Brien, was a
disciplinary one, suggesting Mr Dunn was going to stand for no nonsense.
Lee Johnson soon followed him into Mr Dunn's book, his foray forward had
broken down and Swansea counter-attacked, Johnson halting their attack
illegally.
Yeovil started positively, winning a free kick on the edge of the
Swansea box, But Lockwood's header lacked power and the Swansea keeper,
Freestone, collected easily. Bull's first touch was less than perfect,
straight to a Swansea man, but from then on in he showed his superior
ability. His next contribution sent the ball across the Swansea box, but
neither Jackson nor Stansfield could take advantage.
Yeovil enjoyed the better of the opening minutes but Swansea showed
glimpses of why they were top of the league. The powerful Trundle was
more than a match for O'Brien after 12 minutes, but he should have done
better than blast over the Yeovil bar after turning the Yeovil defender
in the box.
Way and Crittenden sent in crosses that should have been more dangerous,
but were not supported in the box. That seemed to be the biggest problem
for Johnson's new formation and Yeovil suffered from a lack of urgency
or invention around the Swansea box.
Yeovil again caused themselves problems: O'Brien's sliced clearance
leading to Swansea's best chance of the half, Weale managing to push
Nugent's header past the post. The diminutive Britton worked tirelessly
for Swansea throughout the afternoon. Swansea enjoyed their best period
around the half hour mark. Britton's crosses often signalled danger but
O'Brien or Lockwood were always on hand to head safely behind.
As in recent weeks good chances at one end have lead to a goal at the
other, this week it was to Yeovil's favour. After 37 minutes Bull lost
possession on the Yeovil right. Almost incensed, he won the ball back
and charged into the Swansea area. Freestone did well to block his
powerful shot but it fell to Lee Johnson who's powerful cross to the far
post was met by Adam Stansfield's head and he did well to find the gap
between keeper's hand and post: Yeovil 1 Swansea 0.
Swansea were undoubtedly rocked and did well to scramble away Johnson's
free-kick minutes later. Swansea now conceded possession easily and
Yeovil played with the composure and fluidity that their lead afforded
them.
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Nationwide League Division Three : Yeovil Town 2 Swansea City 0
