Swans Hold Premiership New Boys West Brom

[Jack]

Swansea City earned a credible draw against Premiership new boys West Brom at the Liberty

Although the match was billed as the Kris O'Leary testimonial match, the man himself played just 14 minutes on the day after coming onto the pitch to a guard of honour by both sides whilst clutching the hands of both his children.

And it was the change of KOL for Darren Pratley that perhaps gave the first real indication of what Roberto's side could be at Charlton next weekend as he started his line up today as follows

Dorus

Collins Monk Williams Painter

O'Leary Bodde Gomez

Gower Gwillym Butler

And add Pratley for O'Leary and you have perhaps the side that will start at the Valley next weekend although there will be competition from the likes of Jason Scotland (a second half sub), Albert Serran (another second half sub) and Leon Britton (absent through illness)

It's difficult to gauge too much from friendlies but if West Brom were the best side in last season's Championship, the Swans more than held their own over the ninety minutes but lacked the killer instinct to get the goal where they deserved it. Dorus waqs rarely tested in the Swansea goal and when he was it was generally a halfg hit shot that was easily saved.

Tom Butler - arguably the man of the match - came the closest to breaking the deadlock at any stage during the game when his first half drive was well tipped around the post by Dean Kiley in the West Brom goal. Bauza also came close on a couple of occasions whilst Ferrie Bodde was the class act in the centre of midfield although he was well supported by both Pratley and Gomez.

The disappointment for me remained Mark Gower who seemed to struggle to get into the game although there was evidence of some neat interchange between him and Matty Collins who seems to be well at the front of the queue for next week's right back berth.

At the back Garry Monk was carrying on exactly where he left off last season and there were solid if unspectacular performances from both Ashley Williams and Marcos Painter.

The second half performance was far more disjointed not helped by a host of substitutes from the Swans but this was a good exercise all round and from the game itself there are many positives to take forward as the real stuff starts in seven weeks time.