Trundle Back With Two Goal Return!
Last updated : 19 August 2004 By Richard Evans
Two goals from the much-missed Lee Trundle took the sting out of this 4-2 defeat by Bristol Rovers. After naming a relatively strong line-up, reserve manager Kevin Nugent’s side took a two goal lead, before poor defending allowed the visitors to fight back and steal all three points. Perhaps more importantly though, was the return of Vetch Field hero Lee Trundle, who grabbed two goals before leaving the pitch on the hour mark unscathed.
Along with Trundle, central defender Izzy Iriekpen made his first comeback since a pre-season ankle injury, while new signing Gary Fisken started in midfield. Club-captain Roberto Martinez, who has been the subject of much speculation in the local media recently, also took his place in midfield alongside Maylett and James Thomas.
Swansea’s two goal first half lead was well deserved. The first came when Lee Trundle fired home a James Thomas’ knock-down, with the ex-Wrexham striker doubling his tally from the penalty spot after Oli was dragged down in the box by a Rover’s defender. Oli was also extremely unlucky not to extend Swansea’ lead – his pace and power causing the visitor’s defence all sorts of problems. A defensive mix-up allowed Rovers back into the game just before half-time, but the Kevin Nugent's reserves looked odds-on to carry out their win.
Unfortunately for the Swans, Bristol Rovers mounted a spirited fight-back in the second half to secure the points. Rovers’ pulled one back in a goal-mouth scramble, before several other individual errors gifted the three points to the Gasheads. Both Trundle and Iriekpen left the field on the hour-mark, both appearing to have suffered no recurrence of any injury…great news for the Swans at last!!
So a first defeat for the reserves and some shocking defensive errors occurring in the second half that will probably worry the Vetch Field management team. On the other hand, Lee Trundle returned to action with two goals and Jackett will be hoping to push him back into the senior squad as soon as possible.
