Duff pleased as Swans finish pre-season in style against Reading 

The Swans showed much more of a clinical edge in their performance than of late converting four sumptuous team goals as they coasted to a morale-boosting victory against the Royals in Berkshire. 

A stunning first-half volley from Joel Piroe had put the Swans in front at the break before a top-notch second-half display saw a further strike from the Dutchman, a first for the club for Jerry Yates and a neat finish from captain Matt Grimes seal a convincing victory for Duff’s side. 

After a tough week where the Northern-Irishman had suffered back-to-back defeats in the club’s previous two friendlies against Oxford United and Bristol Rovers, yesterday’s performance would be a perfect way to show things are starting to go in the right direction for the former Barnsley head-coach. 

Having been unconcerned by the previous two results, Duff had regularly explained that his methods would take time to come to fruition whilst his side adapt to a change of style and tactical responsibility. On this showing, however, it is clear to see strides have been made as the Swans first Championship fixture at the Swansea.com Stadium against Birmingham City fast approaches in six day’s time. 

Duff admits though that despite being pleased with the victory he still believes there is plenty more work to be done and has his feet firmly on the ground ahead of the season opener. 

“I was pleased with the performance and obviously the scoreline. We asked for a non-pre-season performance so it could be a dress rehearsal for how we want it to try and look,” explained Duff. 

“I thought it looked a bit more like how we want it to in terms of good football and mixing it up. 

“The key is though not to be getting too carried away with it all. There has been a lot of work and information given to the players and it’s going to take time.

 “We played some good penetrative football as well, scored some good goals and kept another clean sheet, which is a bonus. There were moments when we looked like a good team. 

“The players need to adjust and learn. We would love more time, but we are looking forward to getting going.” 

Addressing the fact, the Swans squad at times have lacked sufficient first-team depth in pre-season, Duff has openly spoken about the need for more bodies to be available to him whilst acknowledging the contribution of the youngsters that have stepped up to the plate.

With the club looking likely to add three new faces to the squad early next week and boosted by the return from injury of Joe Allen and new signing Josh Ginnelly, Duff feels things though are starting to come together.

 “To see Josh Ginnelly and Joe [Allen] for 20 minutes was a positive. We were pleased to see them,” continued Duff.  

“Gino is going to take a bit of time as he has pretty much missed all of pre-season, whilst Joe has not played any of it, but it was a good day and hopefully the first of many.

“We will be as ready as we can and are looking to bring in a few new players to supplement what we have. We are no different to anyone else, we want to get promoted.” 

(Lead Image: Swansea City FC)