Outfought and that's not good. Jacks take round 1

Last updated : 24 September 2008 By Michael Morris
McPhail takes the long, lonely walk
Swansea City were like the USA Ryder Cup team. They revelled with the backing of the home fans and they put on a show that unfortunately we couldn't live with.

For the opening 15 mins we we didn't give them a touch but from then on in there was only one team looked like winning, and they did. They have taken the first of three games the teams are due to play.

Steve McPhail made the task harder when he got sent off for a second yellow. That just a few mins after he was warned by Alan Wiley that his next reckless challenge would be his last. McPhail, though TV shows he got the ball, gave Wiley no choice but to red card him when he lunged for a tackle and City's day went from bad to worse. Not only did we play out the game a man down but now there's a suspension to come.

Dave Jones' job today involved making a decision on team selection. He chose to give Peter Enckelman a start in goal, Comminges a go at left back and Eddie Johnson a game up front.

Jones first job on Wednesday should also involve Johnson. Jones should drive him down to Cardiff Central station and pop him on the next train to Paddington with a one way ticket. No offence to Johnson the man, he might be lovely, but as a footballer I cannot believe he is a USA international. I'd select Homer Simpson ahead of him on what I've seen so far.

Dave Jones must have had similar thoughts as Johnson only made it to half time before being subbed.

City did get the ball in the net twice in the second half, both McCormack (on as a replacement for Johnson) and Bothroyd were flagged offside as they looked to salvage something.

It's all about opinions. I thought the referee, Alan Wiley had a good game. He spoke to the captains when things went a bit silly and he warned McPhail enough times before sending him off. He could be seen as being lenient to some of Swansea's tackles but that sounds like sour grapes.

Peter Enckelman could do nothing about Swansea's goal. A free kick deflected off Gavin Rae's studs and the bopunce beat the Finn who started ahead of Tom Heaton.

So we are out of the cup. OK that happens every year. What hurts is that for the most eagerly anticipated derby game, one that we've waited 9 years for, our lads didn't stand their corner.

Swansea were worthy winners. Good luck to them in the next round.

Next up City face Birmingham at Ninian Park on Saturday. No time to feel sorry for ourselves. Lets' bounce back with a decent effort this weekend and that's followed by Coventry at home on Tuesday.