7:45pm GMT Kick Off, Ashton Gate, Championship
A First Half Strike From Joel Piroe Gave Swansea Their First Three Points Under Russell Martin
Swansea’s Dutch forward, Joel Piroe got himself the all important goal to give Swansea their first three points of the new season.
Despite late pressure from Bristol City, Swansea held out, and kept hold of their lead.
Bristol City had an early oppurtunity. Steven-Andreas Benda miss kicked his clearance, which appeared at the feet of Matty James. He drove into the box and had a shot, which Benda had to stop.
James had another chance, as he picked the ball of Matt Grimes in the middle of the pitch and had a go from distance, which Benda had to get down to quick, to keep the scores level.
Moments later, the away team took the lead. Joel Piroe found some space and tried to trick the keeper out at his front post. The ball cannoned off the post, back to the Dutchman who put it away at the second time of asking.
Bristol couldn’t really break the Swansea backline immediately after the opener. Alex Scott went close in the 27th minute, but once again, Benda was there to keep it out the net.
Swansea nearly doubled their lead before the break. From a corner, the ball fell to the feet of Piroe, who turned quick and fired a shot goalward. Daniel Bentley made himself big and did well to save it.
The beginning of the second half saw a lack of action in front of either goal. Bristol continued their push for an equaliser, but the Swans defense was doing a perfect job of stopping them.
Bristol increased their intensity as they continued their push. James struck the ball from the edge of the box, and it was flicked on by Andreas Weimann. Benda was there to stop a possible leveler once again.
Bristol did put the ball in the net, after Antoine Semenyo’s effort was blocked and fell in the path of Weimann who poked it home from close range. Luckily for Russell Martin and his team, Weimann was deemed offside.
As the game went into extra time, Swansea had a counter attack to wrap the game up. Jamie Paterson ran into the box and had an attempt, but it was no danger for Bentley as it was well off target. Which was the last chance of the game.
After tonight’s result, Swansea and Bristol are on the same points and goal difference. Ahead of tomorrow’s Championship fixtures, Swansea sit in 16th, while Bristol City are in 13th.
Final Score: Bristol City 0-1 Swansea City
Man Of The Match: Steven-Andreas Benda
The young goalkeeper had an impressive performance in this game, which helped his team claim three points.
He still has to adapt to Martin’s style of play, with playing it out the back. However, he made a number of key saves which were crucial to his teams success this evening.
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Final Whistle 