Forward Vipotnik’s first goal of the season, off the bench, proved a timely reminder to Swans head coach Alan Sheehan of the Serbian’s ability, after Nestory Irankunda’s excellent first-half free kick had looked to have given the visitors all three points.
The Swans, although finishing the match strongly, would be in debt to goalkeeper Lawrence Vigouroux on an afternoon where Watford’s physical approach stifled Sheehan’s side at times with the Hornets looking the likely victors.
The Swans number one denying on-form giant Danish forward Luca Kjerrumgaard twice with a pair of high-class one-handed saves that ultimately proved the difference in a highly competitive match.
Looking to carry on a strong home record under Sheehan, which has seen just one defeat in the last eight home fixtures (W6 D1), the Swans came into the match against the Hornets in good spirits.
Last weekend’s 1-0 victory over losing Championship play-off finalists an impressive statement of intent for the season from the Irishman’s side.
Sheehan would admit the clinical aspect is still not quite there yet as Swansea’s search for a new number nine looks to continue right to the August transfer window deadline. Still, the number of chances created in the opposition final third would send the home faithful happy with optimism that, on paper, the first XI can compete with the league’s best.
Sheehan would unsurprisingly name an unchanged side for the contest, with new signing Marko Stamenic named amongst the substitutes bench.
Looking for back-to-back wins and consistency in performance, a powerful Watford side would be the next test for the Swans. Having picked up their first victory of the season at home to Queens Park Rangers, the Hornets would be looking to improve on a dismal record on the road without a win stretching back seven matches to early February.
Visiting manager Paulo Pezzolano would be without suspended midfielder Imran Louza for the trip to south Wales. The Uruguayan boss would bring in full back Max Alleyne as the only change.
It would be the home side who would be the stronger of the two in the open exchanges without creating any clear openings. Malick Yalcouge’s unconvincing volley from the edge of the box, the nearest to open the scoring. Whilst a fizzing long-range effort from Franco would draw a roar of appreciation from the crowd, but would always be rising.
After looking comfortable for the first quarter in possession, the Swans would nearly find themselves behind against the run of play. Vigouroux, a bystander for the opening period, called into action to make a splendid diving save to push giant Danish forward Luca Kjerrumgaard’s powerful header onto the crossbar.
The Hornets would come near again moments later from the resulting corner. Skipper Ben Cabango coming to his side’s rescue, spectacularly scissor kicking a certain goal somehow off the Swans line with Vigouroux beaten.
It would be third time lucky for Watford as they would start to win the physical battle in midfield, taking the lead ten minutes before half-time with a goal of real quality. Iraankunda bending a perfectly taken free kick over the Swansea wall from the edge of the penalty area into the top corner past a helpless Vigouroux.
From the restart, Watford would continue their physical dominance in midfield and would see the first sight at goal of the half. Vigouroux once more called into action to produce a stunning save after Kjerrumgaard had unleashed a strong effort to sting the Chilean’s fingertips.
Sheehan would look to the bench for creativity with Inoussa and new signing Stamenic providing a newfound spark. The latter sending Ronald through, but the Brazilian would find visiting goalkeeper Egil Selvik alert to come off his line to snuff out the danger.
As the half would become more open and spaces would appear, and the Swans would improve, the next chance would be a golden one for Liam Cullen. Josh Tymon’s excellent delivery on the left inches away from a goal as the Welshman would stretch to put an effort into the side netting.
Sheehan’s side would then start to surge. Neat interplay with Stamenic, seeing a sumptuous cross from the former Stoke full back to pick out Ronald at the back post. The wasteful Brazilian’s header though high and wide as it looked not to be the Swans afternoon.
Then cometh the hour, cometh the man. Under pressure striker, Vipotnik, introduced minutes earlier, producing a finish of high quality to slot home Ethan Galbraith’s cross first time past Selvik to level the scores.
The Serbian nearly won it late, stretching to put in a teasing cross deep in added time, but it would be a share of the spoils and a hard-fought point for the Swans.
Swansea City XI
Lawrence Vigouroux, Josh Tymon, Josh Key (Melker Widell 74), Ben Cabango (captain), Cameron Burgess, Gonçalo Franco, Malik Yalcouye (Marko Stamenic 53), Ronald, Ethan Galbraith, Eom Ji Sung (Zeidane Inoussa 53), Liam Cullen (Zan Vipotnik 75).
Watford XI
Egil Selvik, Jeremy Ngakia (Ryan Andrews 77), James Abankwah, Kevin Keben, Hector Kyprianou, Marc Bola, Moussa Sissoko (captain), Max Alleyne (Rocco Vata 87), Ed Kayembe (James Morris 87), Nestory Irankunda (Kwadwo Baah 58), Luca Kjerrumgaard (Vivaldo Semedo 77).
[Lead image: Swansea City FC]
