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
