Swansea City

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Swansea City manager Jamie Sherwood says his side should take “great pride” in their performance after Sunday’s 3-1 win over Aberystwyth Town.

It was a welcome return to winning ways for the Swans before a three-game week.

They now sit third in the Adran Premier, just three points behind The New Saints and with a game in hand.

Nia Jones gave Swans an early lead in Llandarcy before Jess Williams headed home Emily Richards’ corner delivery to make it 2-0.

Rebecca Mathias pulled one back to make it 2-1 at the break but Aimee Deacon fired home her eighth goal of the season to seal all three points.

“We are pleased; pleased with the performance and pleased with the result,” said Sherwood.

“The girls should take great pride in what they’ve done today, they’ve shown a lot of personality off the ball, and we were really pleased with the chances we took and created.

“We set out our game plan and know what we are capable of achieving. We’ve put our bodies on the line, put ourselves in positions to exploit the chances that we get and that got us the early goals.”

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Swansea City's decision to hand Liam Cullen a new contract is looking shrewder by the week.

Swansea took their time to tie the forward down, opting to trigger a one-year extension in his previous deal in April rather than handing him the long-term package the player was hoping for.

But the club changed their stance in October, deciding that Cullen was worthy of new three-and-a-half year contract.

Cullen's response to the deal? The best run of form in his career.

Including his breakthrough night with Wales against Iceland last month, Cullen has delivered four goals and four assists in his last four games for club and country.

"He is a joy to watch isn’t he," Swansea head coach Luke Williams said in the wake of Cullen's latest influential performance, in Saturday's 2-2 draw with Portsmouth.

"He has quality, great energy. He's always drenched in sweat, giving everything to the team - and whisking the hair out of his face because he's so cool.

"He is in great form and he deserves to be because he works hard on his game every day and he runs himself into oblivion in every game."

Swansea return to action at Luton Town next weekend.

Given the streak he is enjoying, Cullen will be counting down the days.

Gareth Vincent
BBC Sport Wales

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John Mousinho suggested energy levels might have been a factor, and Luke Williams might have used it as an excuse.

Portsmouth's high press in the first half of Saturday's 2-2 draw at Swansea City made life difficult for the home side, who were as troubled in possession as they have been all season on their own patch.

Pompey boss Mousinho reckoned his team's sharpness without the ball – which was key to both their goals – was due in part to the fact that this was their first game in three weeks.

Swansea, by contrast, had played twice in the previous six days, including at Derby last Wednesday night.

Williams could have pointed out as much when speaking to the media after what ultimately was a frustrating afternoon for Swansea.

He could have said something about fatigue being a factor, before hailing his players' character after they fought back from 2-0 down to get something from the game.

But he did not go down that road.

When asked whether tiredness may have played a part, Williams shot the idea down.

"That's too easy," he declared. "I am not going to let them (his players) have that because I care about them too much.

"There are going to be more times when they don't feel like they have energy and if they hear me tell them that's a problem, they might think 'I feel low on energy' before we start."

Williams did give his players credit for their comeback, but he was more annoyed than satisfied.

Not for the first time in Swansea's season, after all, this felt like a day when points got away.

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It is one of the most eagerly anticipated dates in the football calendar as Premier League and Championship clubs join the FA Cup action from round three.

The draw will take place on Monday, 2 December from 19:00 GMT and can be watched live on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer.

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Swansea City have a "clear plan" to achieve their ultimate goal of reaching the Premier League, according to Swans Trust supporter director Paul Meller.

The Swans recently confirmed Steve Kaplan and Jason Levien had sold their majority stake in the club to current chairman Andy Coleman, fellow shareholders Brett Cravatt and Nigel Morris and businessman Jason Cohen.

And Meller believes the club is now fully aligned when it comes to its aims for the future.

"We very much welcome the changes," he told BBC Radio Wales.

"It's brought fresh investment into the club, and it's part of building future sustainability, and it really sets the foundation for a forward looking era for our club.

"There's a clear plan in place within the club from top to bottom as to the general direction that it needs to go.

"The Premier League is the ultimate goal."

As part of the structure of the takeover, the Trust - which has a protected 5% stake in the club - have gained an additional seat on the board.

Meller added: "The club were keen that our role was reinforced.

"The position we had beforehand has been strengthened, we've still got the protected 5% stake in the club and we've got that extra position on the board which gives us a greater voice in the boardroom."

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Former Wales striker Iwan Roberts expects Swansea City to take full advantage of Portsmouth's struggles this season when the sides meet on Saturday (15:00 GMT).

The Swans rose to 11th in the Championship after beating Derby County 2-1 on Wednesday, while Pompey are bottom.

John Mousinho's side have seen their last two league fixtures - against Blackburn Rovers and Millwall - postponed, meaning they have not played since beating Preston North End 3-1 on 9 November.

But Roberts believes Swansea's recent improvement in front of goal will stand them in good stead.

"Portsmouth are 24th in the league and have the second worst defensive record in the division," he told Dros Frecwast.

"They were meant to play on Wednesday night, but the lights at Fratton Park weren't working, so their game against Millwall was postponed.

"They'll be a bit more fresh, but they've only won two games this season.

"It was probably the best half an hour we've seen from Swansea at Derby.

"Their scoring record hasn't been great, but all of a sudden, they've scored five goals in two games.

"Even though Swansea have lost two of their last three at the Swansea.com Stadium, against Millwall and Leeds, after what I saw the other night, great goals from Zan Vipotnik and Ronald as well, I would expect Swansea to beat Portsmouth."

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Luke Williams says he would "always be half-interested" in signing Jamie Paterson after the attacking midfielder left Charlotte FC.

But Williams added that many factors would have to be considered before Swansea City might contemplate making a fresh move for their former player after his brief spell in America.

Paterson, 32, joined Charlotte in August having failed to agree a new deal at Swansea after his previous contract expired in the summer.

But the Major League Soccer side announced earlier this month that they would not take up an option to extend Paterson's short-term deal.

Williams made no secret of his desire to keep Paterson this season.

However, when asked whether he might try to bring Paterson back to Wales, Williams said: "I think he lost my number for a little while because we did make him an offer [in the summer] and I didn’t hear from him.

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"He is one of the players I admire and I enjoyed working with so much. I had a big part to play in him joining the club when I first came here [as assistant to Russell Martin].

"There's a lot to admire about Jamie Paterson, but it's not probably as simple as phoning him up and inviting him in."

Though Swansea have brought in the likes of Eom Ji-Sung and Myles Peart-Harris this season, a fit and firing Paterson would offer something to Williams' squad.

But as things stand, at least, a return seems unlikely.

"We have to look at many things. Who knows, there's always a chance in football," Williams added.

"I'd always be half-interested, but at the same time I have to make sure any decisions, any input I have… it has to be done in the most responsible way for the whole group and who we already have. Then there is the structure of the wages – there's a lot."

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Luke Williams believes Swansea City are reaping the rewards of the progress made by Ben Cabango and Liam Cullen at international level.

Centre-back Cabango, 24, and 25-year-old forward Cullen have been key players for Williams' Swansea this season.

The duo have also made significant progress with Wales during 2024-25, having both been given significant game-time by Craig Bellamy after being fringe figures under former boss Rob Page.

Cullen claimed a classy assist as Swansea took charge early on at Derby County on Wednesday, while Cabango was a central figure as Williams' team clung on for a 2-1 win despite a Rams fightback.

"Ben has very high defensive instincts and he is very motivated to defend the goal for this club," Williams said.

"I have got do doubt [he is taking confidence from Wales] and I think Liam is in the same situation.

"They hopefully are really believing in themselves and enjoying their football. I certainly think their experience with the national team has really developed their game and helped them a lot."

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Iwan Roberts reckons Swansea City are finding the cutting edge required to thrive in the Championship after Wednesday's victory at Derby County.

Swansea struck twice in the opening 14 minutes at Pride Park, through Zan Vipotnik and Ronald, and then held on for a 2-1 win despite a spirited Derby fightback.

Luke Williams' team had been the lowest scorers in the Championship before this week, with just 11 goals coming in their first 15 league games in 2024-25.

But former Wales striker Roberts believes Swansea have taken a step forward having scored three times in defeat to Leeds United last Sunday before the early double at Derby.

"Vipotnik's goal is a great strike - the first touch is unbelievable and the second touch is ridiculous, the power that he generates," he told BBC Radio Wales.

"I have not seen enough of him, but that bit of skill alone won me over.

"The second goal Liam Cullen drops deep, gets on the half-turn and slips the ball in for Ronald, who for once shows the composure to score. Hopefully five goals in the last two games, things are looking up for Swansea in that final third."

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Head coach Williams acknowledged Swansea were fortunate to hold on for victory at Derby given the pressure on Lawrence Vigouroux's goal in the final hour of the contest.

The Rams threatened at a couple of set-pieces before the break, while Kayden Jackson missed a golden chance to score in the second half before Nathaniel Mendez-Laing's penalty gave the home side hope of a comeback.

Yet despite Derby's control, Swansea dug deep to deliver a third away win of the season.

"Derby gave it everything in the second half but once again Swansea's defensive capabilities were outstanding," Roberts added.

"For 30 minutes in the first half, Swansea were breathtaking with the football they played. One more goal and it would have been game over.

"Credit to Derby, there was a big reaction from them. But when they had to roll their sleeves up, that's what Swansea did and it's a fantastic win away from home."

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Zan Vipotnik says he likes the challenge of wearing the number nine jersey for Swansea City.

The Slovenia international has been in and out of the side under Luke Williams since joining the Swans after leaving Bordeaux in the summer.

But he scored his third goal of the campaign inside two minutes as Swansea won 2-1 at Derby County on Wednesday night to move up to 11th in the Championship table.

The 22-year-old hopes to add to his goal tally as the Swans host bottom side Portsmouth on Saturday (15:00 GMT).

"I feel really good. It's a tough league," he told BBC Sport Wales.

"When we start to win it's easier and I hope that we will continue next Saturday.

"It's not easy to wear, but it's an amazing challenge to wear the number nine in Swansea.

"It's nice for me and nice for the team. It's amazing when you score in the first five minutes, it helps the team a lot.

"It's my third goal, it was an amazing goal and I will try to do it every week."

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At times this season, Swansea City have played better than they did during Wednesday's 2-1 victory at Derby County and come away with nothing.

The opening quarter aside, Swansea were well short of their best at Pride Park.

But after successive last-gasp defeats, at Burnley and then at home to Leeds United last Sunday, the result was what counted most against the Rams.

Not since the early weeks of Williams' reign have Swansea suffered three successive defeats.

They avoided an unwelcome hat-trick thanks largely to a clinical opening spell at Derby, where Zan Vipotnik and Ronald produced finishes which reflected Swansea's sharp start.

Williams' team spent the last hour of the contest looking to fend off their hosts, which they managed, just, despite Nathaniel Mendez-Laing's second-half penalty.

Williams felt Swansea's battling performance proved they remain in upbeat mood, despite the agony of losing to Leeds having led twice and made it 3-3 in the closing minutes of that game only to be beaten by a stoppage-time Wilfried Gnonto goal.

When asked about Swansea's response to the Leeds reverse, Williams said: "The most important thing is they performed really well on Sunday.

"They should be pleased with the performance even though we were devastated with the result, particularly the way it happened when we had just equalised in the dying moments against the best team in the league.

"But I think it showed that the players didn’t suffer a lack of confidence because they came to Derby and started the game in a brilliant fashion and we got the result, so we are very happy."

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Luke Williams has eased concerns over the fitness of Harry Darling after revealing the centre-back was substituted during Wednesday's win at Derby County because of illness.

Darling came off after an hour of Swansea's 2-1 win at Pride Park, breaking up his partnership with Ben Cabango.

Before the trip to Pride Park, Darling and Cabango had played every minute of this Championship campaign alongside each other at the heart of Williams' defence.

But the Swansea head coach has suggested that despite his early exit at Derby, Darling should be in contention for Saturday's home game against Portsmouth.

"He has been really ill and to be honest the performance he put in given how unwell he has been was incredible," Williams said.

"I am really proud of him for that. He was spent [when he came off], totally spent. He gave us everything he could today.

"He'll be fine. It's a bug and it’s on the way out, but he lost a lot of energy."

Darling was replaced by Cyrus Christie, whose foul on Tom Barkhuizen saw Derby captain Nathaniel Mendez-Laing make it 2-1 from the penalty spot.

But Swansea held on for their third away victory of the season after early goals from Zan Vipotnik and Ronald.

The win was a welcome response after painful late defeats to Leeds United and Burnley, and lifts Swansea to 11th in the table.

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Luke Williams wants more of the same from Swansea City at Derby County on Wednesday despite defeat by Leeds United.

Williams' side lost a thrilling game in agonising circumstances as Wilfried Gnonto scored a stoppage-time winner at Swansea.com Stadium on Sunday.

It was the third time in five Championship games that Swansea have been beaten by a last-gasp goal.

But Williams was so encouraged by the nature of his team's performance against high-flying Leeds that he is relishing the prospect of a trip to Pride Park.

"I cannot wait because I want the players to understand that if they can play at that level against Leeds United then they have a really good chance against many teams in the division," said the Swansea head coach.

"They should look at it in that way – I will try to convince them to look at the opportunity that way.

"We know it's going to be a really tough game, but we are looking forward to it."

Swansea go in search of a third away win of the season as they face Derby, though Paul Warne's team are formidable opponents on their own patch.

The Rams, who are one point better off than Swansea, have lost only one of seven home league games since winning promotion back to the Championship in 2023-24.

Last weekend's draw at Preston means they have lost just once in eight fixtures at home and away, though five of those have been draws.

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Luke Williams says he would "always support" Alan Sheehan if Swansea City's assistant head coach gets the chance to become a manager.

Former Luton Town and Southampton coach Sheehan joined Swansea's staff in the summer of 2023 and had a spell as caretaker boss last season after the sacking of Michael Duff.

Sheehan has been touted as a possible contender for the Coventry City manager's job, though Frank Lampard remains firm favourite to succeed Mark Robins.

Williams says he has not discussed the Coventry speculation with Sheehan as it "didn’t get to the stage where I felt the need or he felt the need".

But the Swansea head coach says he is not surprised to see the Irishman linked with jobs elsewhere.

"When he did his pro licence, he was the shining light, the example on that course," Williams said.

"So of course there are going to be many people who took notice of that, and he had a spell here where he made a really positive impact.

"He continues to do a brilliant job for us and I hope that continues for a long time to come. But of course if something is a brilliant opportunity for him and his family, then I would always support him in that and he would leave here having done a fantastic job."

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Jerry Yates will be missing when Swansea City go to Derby County on Wednesday night, and the absence of the striker represents a blow for the Rams.

Yates scored nine goals for Swansea in 2023-24 after signing from Blackpool but was allowed to join Derby on a season-long loan in July.

He is unable to play against his parent club under the terms of the deal, and that is a setback for Derby boss Paul Warne given that Yates is in fine form, having scored in three successive matches.

In all, Yates has scored four times in 14 league starts for Derby, with the high point being a spectacular overhead kick against Plymouth Argyle earlier this month.

Yates, 28, also has a couple of assists having established himself as first-choice centre-forward in a squad which is not overly blessed with strikers.

With Yates missing, experienced former Cardiff forward James Collins is favourite to start up front against Swansea.

Teenage academy graduate Dajaune Brown is another attacking option for Warne, as is Northern Ireland international Conor Washington – though he is yet to play this season.

Yates will expect to be back in the Derby side when they face Sheffield Wednesday next weekend.

As for where he will be next summer, fans of Derby – and Swansea – will have to wait and see.