Ashton is full of praise for defensive rocks Guehi and Cabango

DEAN Ashton lavished praise on Ben Cabango and Marc Guehi after the pair’s efforts in Swansea City’s play-off semi-final first leg win over Barnsley.

Cabango and Guehi – who are both just 20 years of age – turned in monumental displays to frustrate the likes of Daryl Dike and Cauley Woodrow in Yorkshire.

And TV pundit Ashton says the two central defenders emphatically won the battle against Barnsley’s attack as Swansea kept a 21st Championship clean sheet of the season.

“I have to say, if either one of the two centre-backs Guehi or Cabango show any weakness at any point, I think Daryl Dike plays on it and pulls on to the weakest link,” Ashton said on EFL on Quest.

“They weren’t, they were both absolutely outstanding. They looked like they enjoyed it. In the end, they were getting the better of Dike.

“He was getting very frustrated in the second half. There wasn’t much quality up towards him, but I have to say, the two centre-backs, only 20 years old the pair of them, absolutely outstanding, not to get yellow carded, not to get too involved, but were super aggressive.”

Ayew struck the only goal of the game six minutes before half-time to ensure Swansea have the edge in the two-legged contest.

Ashton admitted Ayew once again delivered the goods when it mattered most, although he bemoaned Barnsley’s defence for the way they allowed the attacker to score.

“He does this in his sleep. If you let him come on to his left foot, he’ll just do that all day, he’ll find that corner,” added Ashton.

“I thought it was terrible defending. Helik, you can’t let him turn in the box.

“He’s got that quality, he showed it again tonight in a massive game, and you’re looking at your big players to perform on the big nights.”

Freddie Woodman also produced an eye-catching display that more than played a part in ensuring Swansea lead at the midway stage of the tie.

The goalkeeper produced a vital save to keep out Callum Brittain’s shot in the second half while he was also alert to several moments of danger as Barnsley pushed for an equaliser.

When asked about Woodman’s heroics, Ashton commented: “He was really alert. Because of how direct Barnsley were being, he needed to be on his toes and be there to help out and read the game.

“He was brave enough to come out and commit himself.”