An early own goal from Norwich midfielder Amankwah Forson would prove to be the difference in a highly competitive contest.
It would not be pretty at times from the Swans but head coach Luke Williams would have been pleased with the energy and dogged character his side would show to gain a valuable victory.
The Swans would come into the game looking to bounce back from a disappointing 1-0 defeat against West Bromwich Albion at the Hawthorne’s before the international break.
It would be a performance Williams would say that his side would be outclassed in. Despite the Swans improving after the break, the Midlands outfit would have several clear-cut opportunities to put daylight on the scoreline on the day.
A fortnight later after having time to work with a majority of his newly-formed young side on the training pitch East Anglian’s Norwich City would be the visitors to south Wales.
The former Notts County boss calling for a response opted to make two changes to face a Canaries side one point and two places above the Swans in the table after the first four rounds of the Championship season.
At the back, Kyle Naughton came in for Josh Tymon who who missed the game with illness, whilst forward Liam Cullen returned in place of Žan Vipotnik.
Johannes Hoff Thorup’s Norwich side after picking up their first win of the campaign against Coventry last time out made one change. Danish Under-19 international Oscar Schwartau coming in to make his debut.
In the glorious late summer sunshine, it would be the home side who would start on the front foot and look the most lively. A counter attack involving talisman Ronald ending in Ji-Sung Eom nearly connecting with a half chance at the far post.
It wouldn’t take the Swans long though to open the scoring minutes later. Ollie Cooper picking the ball up on the left-hand side finding Eom. The South Korean attacker’s shot coming off unfortunate Norwich midfielder Amankwah Forson and into the back of the net.
The away side would though respond well by pressing high against the Swansea defence and would look to harry the Swans on the ball. Josh Sergeant testing the reflexes of Lawrence Vigouroux for the first time after Goncalo Franco’s loose ball and then defender Callum Doyle would nod a corner inches wide as the East Anglians threatened to get back on level terms.
The Swans though would be vibrant in their performance looking to move the ball quickly in transition. Both Franco and Cooper sending efforts narrowly over the bar to the satisfaction of the home faithful.
Much like in previous matches, the half would become a scrappy affair with both sides guilty of giving away possession cheaply in midfield leading to a disjointed conclusion to the first 45.
The visitors started the second period positively but lacked a threat in the final third with the Swans defense comfortable. The excellent Franco would be a difference-maker in midfield for the home side providing a defensive screen whilst also acting as the protagonist of the attack.
With the game on a knife-edge, the second goal of the contest would likely be decisive in the contests outcome. The Swans would look the more likely to add to their lead but would lack at times numbers in attack edging on the side of caution in commitment on the counter attack.
Ronald would come agonisingly close to sealing proceedings almost connecting with Ollie Cooper’s pacey low cross across the face of goal but both goalkeepers would be largely untroubled.
The Swans defense would face a barrage of balls into the box in the final stages as Norwich tried in earnest to rescue a point but the solid pairing of Ben Cabango and Harry Darling stood tall as Williams’ side gained a valuable three points.
Swansea City X1
Lawrence Vigouroux, Kyle Naughton (Josh Tymon 70), Josh Key, Harry Darling, Ben Cabango, Matt Grimes (captain), Gonçalo Franco (Joe Allen 78), Ollie Cooper (Myles Peart-Harris 78), Ji-Sung Eom (Florian Bianchini 70), Ronald, Liam Cullen ( Žan Vipotnik 79) .
Norwich City X1
Angus Gunn, Jack Stacey (Liam Gibbs 79), Ben Chrisene (Jose Cordoba 70), Shane Duffy, Callum Doyle, Marcelino Núñez (Onel Hernandez 79), Kenny McLean (captain), Oscar Schwartau (Ante Crnac 57), Amankwah Forson (Gabriel Forsyth 70), Borja Sainz, Josh Sargent.
[Lead image: Swansea City FC]
