Joel Piroe completed his first appearance in the League Cup with a well taken third goal for the swans this evening in Berkshire. A TV and streaming blackout meant only those with radio access could listen to the game, and even then many Swans TV subscribers promised free audio access didn’t benefit. Fortunately the technical issues, if that was the issue tonight in Swansea were not replicated on the pitch by a much changed team.

Tonight’s match report includes match day photos, quotes and the full post match video press conference.

It was a solid and concrete display from Swansea City who totally outplayed Reading for the majority of the game. Both sides will cite being under strength, and maybe Reading more so but the swans had two debutants in the starting line up in Joel Piroe and Dan Williams. Russell Martin also made five changes from Saturdays opening championship game at Blackburn. Reading did have their moments in front of goal on several occasions, especially through George Puscas but on both occasions he failed to score. Again we saw some trepidation in the swans defence but nothing like the previous game in Lancashire, the much changed side seemingly very comfortable with Russell Martin’s brief.

Having said that the score line could have been far more had Swansea executed more of their many chances. The fun started when Yan Dhanda twice saw shots blocked, while Joel Latibeaudiere was just unable to feed the ball inside to Whittaker after another promising attack. Dan Williams slotted in seamlessly to the midfield, zipping the ball about with captain Matt Grimes, and winning a couple of key challenges before the Swans took an 18th minute lead. Dhanda swung in a deep delivery from a corner and Latibeaudiere was one of two black shirts virtually unmarked at the far post. Taking the header superbly well Latibeaudiere was overjoyed to score his first swans goal.

The possession stats were embarrassing for Reading with 80% in favour of the swans as the first half progressed. Dan Williams looked silky smooth in the midfield with captain Matt Grimes and won some real strong challenges. That really does give Russell Martin something think about in his team selection for coming games. At half time albeit 1-0, it could and should have been more. You get the feeling that in this sort of mood the swans can seriously damage some sides this season.

It was impressive.

Reading did try to make a game of it in the second half but struggled to make an impression, and after an initial ten minute effort they retreated back in to their shell. Latibeaudiere again could have scored, as could Piroe from a marvellous run and shot until a Bidwell header was cleared off the line. The rebound was knocked home by Ben Cabango from close range. It seemed like game over and further chances went begging until Joel Piroe latched on to a Dhanda pass to slide rule Swansea’s third goal. Another highlight was Kyle Joseph coming in as a late sub who displayed his lace and intent on several occasions.

Russell Martin’s post match thoughts
"I was really pleased with so much of the stuff we saw tonight," he said. It felt like it was progress from Saturday. I said to the guys that no game of football is easy, despite the youth of their team. Ours wasn't exactly very experienced or very old, either. But the players made it was easy for themselves in the way they approached the game.We had the intensity to react when we lost the ball, their aggressiveness when we went to press; so there's so much to be pleased with, but so much to still work on. We're really early on with what we want to do and what we want to be. But I'm very grateful for the players and their willingness to try and do what we're asking them to do. You look at our squad and Joel Latibeaudiere is a young guy, Ben Cabango is a young guy, Steven Benda is a young guy and they do not have masses of experience, but they are letting us infiltrate their minds with the way we want to play. At times tonight it was incredible, and at times it definitely needed improvement. But, on the whole, we're really pleased.”

It was a great nights work for the swans, Russell Martin clearly is delighted with the win, albeit not against the strongest of opposition in Reading. However, a win is a win, and it was impressive, the roadshow finds itself at the Swansea.com stadium on Saturday fkr the Championship home game against Sheffield United.

Credit too to the 600 or so swans fans who made the effort to be at the game, all of whom seemed absolutely delighted to celebrate Joel Piroe’s debut goal.

Reading: Luke Southwood, Tom Holmes (captain), Tom McIntyre (Michael Stickland 46), Dejan Tetek, Mamadi Camara, Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan (Jahmari Clarke 55), Claudio Osorio, Kian Leavy (Ethan Bristow 65), Lynford Sackey, Nelson Abbey, George Puscas.

Unused Substitutes: Conan Boyce-Clarke, Imari Samuels, Benjamin Purcell, Jack Senga.

Swansea City: Steven Benda; Ben Cabango, Brandon Cooper, Joel Latibeaudiere; Kyle Naughton (Kyle Joseph 65), Dan Williams, Yan Dhanda, Matt Grimes (captain) (Ryan Manning 65), Jake Bidwell (Lincoln Mcfayden 65); Morgan Whittaker, Joel Piroe.

Unused Substitutes: Nico Defreitas-Hansen, Jamal Lowe, Liam Cullen, Ben Lloyd.

Russell,Martin’s post match video press conference

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Photographs licensed from Reuters

ReslovenSwan1 added 12:48 - Aug 11 Potter brought in Mckay, Celina, John and Asoro. This was bad business. He had better players in the academy. With a big more care he had a promotion squad despite the sales. RM should not make the same mistake. £7m wasted.
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