Egan late strike earns Tigers dramatic draw against Swansea

A fourth goal in as many games from Zan Vipotnik and a second-half finish from Ronald looked to have proved to be the difference on the day, despite former Swan Ollie McBurnie getting on the scoresheet for visitors Hull.

After a string of late saves from home goalkeeper Lawrence Vigouroux, Egan’s late show salvaged a point for the visitors, as it would not be for the Swans, who will be ruing not seeing out for the three points.

Looking to carry on a strong home record under Sheehan, which has seen just one defeat in the last nine home fixtures (W6 D2), the Swans came into the match against the Tigers in good spirits.

The international break, however, perhaps came at the wrong time for Alan Sheehan’s side, whose impressive 2-0 victory over Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough had seen the Swans move into the play-off picture with seven points from 12 available, the best start for the Swans since 2019.

Sheehan would have Deadline Day signings Adam Idah, Manuel Benson, and Ishe Samuels-Smith available to his disposal for the visit of the Tigers, but would be without fellow new boy Marko Stamenic, who had impressed in Yorkshire.

It would be just the one change from the Swans boss, with on-loan Brighton midfielder Malick Yalcouye coming into the engine room for the New Zealand international, with his trio of signings taking their place on the substitutes bench.

After back-to-back defeats against Bristol City and Blackburn, shipping seven goals in the process, Hull would be looking to improve on a poor recent record on the road in south Wales.

Winless in SA1 in the last six visits (D3 L3), Bosnian manager Sergej Jakirovic would make three changes to his side.

Former Swan McBurnie would lead the line, having two goals and two assists to his name in the opening four rounds of fixtures. He would be joined up top with ex-Swans youngster Kyle Joseph, whilst captain Lewie Coyle would return to defense.

It would be the home side that would have the best of the opening proceedings, forcing the tempo with slick play in possession and a high press on the Hull defense.

Ethan Galbraith directing traffic, launching several promising attacks, but a lack of cutting-edge in the final third would mean that a long-range effort from Vipotnik and Yalcouye’s curling strike from 20-yards would be all Sheehan’s side would have to show from the first half hour.

But with five minutes to go before the break, the Swans would make the breakthrough, and it would be from the man of the moment Vipotnik, with his fourth in as many games.

Yalcouye finding the forward with his back to the goal inside the penalty area, before the Slovenian international hitman would spin his marker and shoot neatly past Hull goalkeeper Ivan Pandur into the bottom left-hand corner of the goal.

The Swans lead wouldn’t last long, though, as Hull would strike back almost immediately with their first meaningful opportunity of the match. McBurnie showing his predatory instincts to latch onto Ryan Giles’ through ball, before burying his powerful effort past a helpless Lawrence Vigouroux in the Swansea goal to leave the scores level at the break.

The away side would start he second period as they left the first and would come close to edging themselves in front. Former Leeds forward Joe Gelhardt’s flicked header, from another teasing Giles cross saved neatly by Vigouroux diving at full stretch.

With both sides looking to get the upper hand, the Swans would retake the lead at what seemed a crucial moment of the match. Yalcouye showing great strength to avoid several challenges before being fouled just outside the area after distributing possession wide.

With the advantage being played by referee David Webb, Zeidane Inoussa would float in a delightful ball to the back post to pick out Ronald’s run, before the Brazilian smashed home unmarked from close range, much to the annoyance of the Hull defense baying for offside.

Whilst the Swans would have the majority of the play, Hull would always be in the match and nearly levelled for a second time if it wasn’t for the agility of Vigouroux. The new Chile international showing his quality, diving spectacularly low to deny Joseph’s snapshot.

The Tigers would push with McBurnie’s shot flying across the face of the goal, whilst substitute Enis Denstan would head straight into the grateful hands of Vigouroux.

Sheehan’s side would hold off extreme pressure at the back, but it would be a heartbreaking finish with veteran centre half John Egan smashing home seven minutes into stoppage-time after the Swans failed to clear their lines from close-range to earn a share of the spoils.

Swansea City XI

Lawrence Vigouroux, Josh Tymon, Josh Key, Ben Cabango (captain), Cameron Burgess, Gonçalo Franco (Melker Widell 89), Malick Yalcouye (Liam Cullen 70), Ronald, Ethan Galbraith, Zeidane Inoussa (Ji-Sung Eom 64), Zan Vipotnik (Adam Idah 64).

Hull City XI

Ivan Pandur, Lewie Coyle (captain), Ryan Giles, John Egan, Charlie Hughes, John Lundsram (Darko Gyabi 84), Amir Hadziahmetrovic (Mohamed Belloumi 63), Joe Gelhardt (Joel Ndala 76), David Akintola (Regan Slater 63), Ollie McBurnie, Kyle Joseph (Enis Destan 84).

[Lead image: Swansea City]