Young Swans Check out of Checkatrade
SWANSEA City Under-21s suffered late heartbreak as Alex Jakubiak’s solo effort saw Bristol Rovers advance to the last-16 of the Checkatrade Trophy.
In an even contest the young Swans had taken the lead against their League One opponents through Jordan Garrick’s 54th minute finish after some excellent build-up work.
But the lead lasted just four minutes before skipper Tony Craig got the final touch to level from Alex Rodman’s free-kick for the visitors.
The second-round tie looked destined for penalties, but Jakubiak struck in devastating fashion after the hosts had given the ball away cheaply in midfield.
It means Cameron Toshack and Gary Richards see their side exit the competition on home turf for the third year in succession, but they and their squad deserve huge credit for reaching the knock-out stage once again.
The young Swans looked desperately keen to avoid an unwanted treble with a lively opening and they should have led in the 12th minute.
Garrick showed pace and strength to escape his marker and then produced a fantastic weighted pass into the patch of the onrushing Asoro.
The winger had only the keeper to beat from around eight yards out, but his shot was straight at Jack Bonham.
Rovers responded with a big chance of their own, striker Stefan Payne failing to work Steven Benda from a excellent Daniel Leadbitter delivery.
As the half grew on the visitors began to exert some control, with Cian Harries producing an excellent block to prevent Tom Nichols finishing from close range.
Benda, meanwhile, made sharp stops from both Payne and Kyle Bennett to ensure the sides were level at the break.
The visitors hit the woodwork early in the second period as Nichols failed to finish an Alex Rodman cross, and Swansea went straight up the other end to lead.
Byers spotted Dhanda’s forward run, and the former Liverpool man’s clever backheel allowed Garrick to finish left-footed.
But the lead lasted just four minutes, a Rodman free-kick eventually finding the net via Rovers’ skipper Tony Craig after a couple of deflections.
Jakubiak settled it with his driving run after a poor Swansea pass, taking the ball some 40 yards and seeing off three defenders before sliding it past Benda.