Benda saves Under-23s at the death

STEVEN Benda was the hero as Swansea City Under-23s held on for a 1-1 draw against Liverpool U23s in Premier League 2 on Monday night.

The German keeper saved Pedro Chirivella’s last-gasp penalty to ensure a share of the spoils in Landore.

Moments earlier, Liam Cullen had volleyed home a dramatic equaliser to cancel out Chirivella’s earlier goal.

The hosts had been reduced to 10 men when Adnan Maric was shown a straight red for his retaliation to a foul.

Liverpool arrived at Landore on a run of three wins in four games and went close through Liam Millar and Isaac Christie-davies, while Chirivella headed wide after Jacob Jones had inadvertently cleared directly into his path. At the other end, an unmarked Jordon Garrick headed a glorious chance over the bar from a corner.

The Reds took the lead in the 65th minute when Chirivella placed a precise effort beyond the reach of Benda.

The Swans’ task was made more difficult with three minutes remaining as, having just been dragged back, Maric reacted angrily by kicking the ball at his opponent, resulting in a straight red.

However, the 10 men kept going and snatched an equaliser in the second minute of stoppage time when a cross was cleared only as far as Cullen, who drilled a sweet volley beyond Caoimhin Kelleher.

There was still time for more drama as the referee pointed to the spot after substitute Matteo Ritaccio was brought down by Joe Lewis.

But Benda guessed correctly and got strong palms on the ball to push the kick away from goal.

Swans U23s: Steven Benda, Tyler Reid, Jacob Jones, Kees de Boer (Adam King, 69), Brandon Cooper, Joe Lewis, Simon Paulet, Adnan Maric (capt), Liam Cullen, Oli Cooper, Jordon Garrick (Botti Biabi, 71). Subs not used: Gregor Zabret, Keiran Evans, Jack Withers.