Brewster back to haunt Swans as Derby move into play-off placings

It would be a similar story for the Swans on the road this season as a promising start failed to materialise into points, as second-half goals from Brewster and strike partner Patrick Agyemang, both from set-pieces, sent Vitor Matos’ side to a tenth defeat in 16 on their travels.

Derby started the better of the two sides with a Joe Ward free kick drawing a decent save out of visiting goalkeeper Lawrence Vigouroux.

The focus then switched to the other end as the Swans improved, when Derby gave away a free-kick 25 yards out which Liam Cullen whipped just past home stopper Josh Vickers’ left post.

Swansea were winning the ball too easily in midfield and saw recalled Eom Ji-sung burst through on the right only to bend a shot wide with several teammates waiting for a cut back.

But despite getting into some threatening positions, the visitors had not forced Vickers into a save and Derby took advantage by scoring two minutes into the second half.

Callum Elder’s corner would be flicked on by imposing striker Ben Brereton Diaz to Brewster, who would slam his effort past Vigouroux after his initial header was blocked.

Derby then took a big stride towards victory with the Swans undone by another corner in the 67th minute.

Elder again being the provider finding Agyemang, whose run would not be picked up, to rise above the defenders to score with a downward header.

Substitute Gustavo Nunes had a chance to get the visitors back in the game when he sprinted through on the left, but his execution would not be on point as the Brazilian’s shot would be too close to Vickers, with Derby clearing the rebound.

Josh Tymon fired off target from outside the box as the Swans pushed for a way back into the contest, but it would be Derby who almost scored a third in the 84th minute.

Another corner causing panic in the visitors’ defence, with Agyemang again getting above everyone to power a header at Vigouroux. The Chilean international though palming away to keep the score to two.

The keeper then rescued Swansea again with another good save to deny Jaydon Banel, but by now the game was over as a contest.

Derby’s fourth victory in their past six matches, but only their second in nine home league outings, means John Eustace’s side jump five places in the table to sixth.

Swansea are six points adrift of the play-off spots, and 10 clear of the bottom three in 16th after losing for just the second time in six games.

Swansea City X1:

Lawrence Vigouroux; Ethan Galbraith, Ben Cabango (captain), Cameron Burgess, Josh Tymon; Marko Stamenic (Jay Fulton 84), Goncalo Franco (Malick Yalcouye 77), Liam Cullen (Leo Walta 65); Ronald (Melker Widell 77), Jisung Eom (Gustavo Nunes 65), Zan Vipotnik.

Derby County X1:

Josh Vickers, Matt Clarke (captain), Patrick Agyemang (Lars-Jorgen Salvesen 87), Rhian Brewster (Liam Thompson 71), David Ozoh, Sam Szmodics (Jaydon Banel 87), Callum Elder, Joe Ward, Ben Brereton Diaz (Carlton Morris 90), Dion Sanderson, Oscar Fraulo (Bobby Clark 71).

[Lead image: Swansea City FC]