Swansea v Crawley Competition - Carabao Cup, EFL Trophy, 1st Round Venue - Swansea.com Stadium Date - 12 August 2025 Kick off - 7:00pm Following their disappointing opening day defeat away at Middlesbrough, next up for Alan Sheehan’s ‘goal shy’ Swansea squad is a home match against League 2 Crawley in EFL Trophy. Last Saturday, Rob Edwards' Middlesbrough reign began with victory as a rare Dael Fry goal proved decisive against the Swans. Fry outmuscled full-back Josh Tymon as he met Morgan Whittaker's corner with a firm header which beat Swans’ goalkeeper Lawrence Vigouroux from point-blank range. It was just a third goal in more than 270 senior career appearances for central defender Fry, who wore the captain's armband as he celebrated the 10th anniversary of his Middlesbrough debut in style. Fry's goal in the early stages of the second half settled what was a game of few chances, with the Swans beaten narrowly at the Riverside on the opening day of the season for the second year in a row. While there was endeavour on show from both sides, chances were at a premium in what was a forgettable contest. Whilst the Swans were losing to Boro, Crawley were losing at home to a Newport County side that struck twice in the second half to win at the Broadfield Stadium and seal a first League Two victory under new boss David Hughes. Newport summer signing Nik Tzanev twice denied Ade Adeyemo midway through the first half while Kai Whitmore had an effort kept out by Harvey Davies at the other end in a tight opening 45. Adeyemo and Kabongo Tshimanga were both unable to bulge the net after the restart - with Reece Brown also going close for the hosts. But having survived a few scares, the Exiles went in front as Matt Smith fed midfielder Whitmore who rounded goalkeeper Davies before firing into the net in the 68th minute. The visitors doubled their lead just two minutes later as Lee Jenkins' long throw-in was flicked on to Liam Shephard - on his second debut for the club - who converted from close range. Tzanev produced another impressive save to keep out Dion Conroy's free-kick before Max Anderson struck deep into injury time to give the home side faint hope. But Newport held on for victory to preserve their unbeaten start to the 2025-26 campaign. The Swans have played Crawley once before - also in the League Cup - back in 2013 when goals from Michu, Graham & Monk gave the Swans a 3-2 away win: Turning to tomorrow night, the Swans should win, being at home against a side 2 divisions below them…. but as Greavsie said “It’s a funny old game ….” Nevertheless, I’m going 2-1 to the Swans …. hopefully Also, the last time we played Crawley in the League Cup we won the competition, let’s hope history repeats itself. You heard it here first
Thanks Taff...dont think we will win the cup as we will concentrate on the league. However it would be a confidence booster if we play a strong team tomorrow and win handsomely keeping the fickle fans on board
I remember Brian Thomas ((Neath, Cambridge & Wales) telling me that fans can be split into two types: supporters and success chasers. I suspect that every club has these types
Thanks as always Taff. I am back after a long preseason break! It will be interesting to see what side Sheehan puts out tomorrow. I think he will realise the importance of a 'good win'. Big Brian was right by the way, even if he wasn't i wouldn't tell him
Melker Widell, Kaelan Casey and Zeidane Inoussa make their full Swansea City debuts against Crawley Town in the Carabao Cup this evening. The trio come into the starting line-up as head coach Alan Sheehan makes seven changes from the weekend defeat to Middlesbrough. Goalkeeper Andy Fisher, Zan Vipotnik, Ollie Cooper and Sam Parker are the additional four alterations to the Swansea side. Fisher is in goal, with Cameron Burgess captaining the Swans in a back four also including Casey, Josh Tymon and Sam Parker. Widell joins Cooper and Ethan Galbraith in the middle of the park, with Inoussa and Ronald providing the width for the hosts. Vipotnik leads the line for the home side. Swansea City: Andy Fisher; Sam Parker, Kaelan Casey, Cameron Burgess (captain), Josh Tymon; Ethan Galbraith, Melker Widell, Ollie Cooper; Ronald, Zeidane Inoussa, Zan Vipotnik. Substitutes: Paul Farman, Josh Key, Jay Fulton, Jisung Eom, Goncalo Franco, Liam Cullen, Bobby Wales, Cameron Congreve, Arthur Parker. Crawley Town: Harvey Davies, Charlie Barker, Max Anderson, Kabongo Tshimanga, Reece Brown, Jack Roles, Harry McKirdy, Joy Mukena, Ade Adeyemo, Jay Williams (captain), Josh Flint. Substitutes: Will Heater, Gavin Holohan, Louis Flower, Ben Radcliffe, Fate Kotey, Antony Papadopoulos, Louie Watson.
Inoussa having a good game and Galbraith looking a lot sharper than he did on Saturday. I expect Bobby Cymru to come on 2nd half
Been a very good game, love that we have given academy and new signings a run out, 3-1 tidy result too.....
I cant remember the last time I went to an evening game wearing shorts and a t shirt...it was hot last night though there was only one proper drinks break 20 minutes in....started well got the early goal ...should have had more but by half time Crawley had started to take more possession....second half changes helped to make us play quicker creating more chances that were saved by the visitors keeper who was their man of the match....At 2 nil we should have been coasting but sloppy defending gave them a lifeline...then they had a player sent off which did not help them....a third goal gave us some breathing space and the game ended with some smiling Swans fans leaving the ground. Bobby Wales, Inoussa, and Galbraith among others played well but why did Fisher just kick the ball upfield persistenly giving the opposition the ball.....still Vigoroux should be back for Saturday.
