Source: Team_Talk
Bessone belter sinks struggling Rams
Paulo Sousa's side, who went into the game on the back of a 10-match unbeaten run, were in control throughout at the Liberty Stadium but were unable to apply the necessary finishing touch until Bessone's 81st-minute winner - his first goal for the club.[LNB]The Argentinian latched onto a delightful through ball from substitute Joe Allen before thumping home a left-footed shot into the top corner to the delight of the home faithful.[LNB]Although Derby defended bravely, they could have few complaints with the final result having failed to offer anything by way of an attacking threat.[LNB]And while Swansea look set to challenge at the top end of the table this season, the Rams remain in 18th - just three points clear of the relegation zone.[LNB]Swansea, who were still without the injured duo of Garry Monk and Mark Gower, recalled Andrea Orlandi in place of Allen following the latter's exertions with the Wales Under-21 side.[LNB]Derby boss Nigel Clough made two changes to the side that defeated Coventry 2-1 prior to the international break. Jake Livermore replaced Stephen Pearson, who was ruled out with a slight groin strain, while Bryan Hughes came in for Paul Dickov as Clough opted to switch to a 4-5-1 formation.[LNB]The hosts quickly settled into their stride and were almost handed the lead early on.[LNB]Derby winger Gary Teale was guilty of a woefully short backpass and Nathan Dyer skipped around goalkeeper Stephen Bywater before fiing his shot against the outside of the post from an acute angle.[LNB]Swansea remained the dominant force and started to carve out chances with regularity as the first half wore on.[LNB]Cedric van der Gun headed over from an Andrea Orlandi corner before seeing a long-range strike whistle wide, while Bywater was forced into a smart stop to tip Craig Beattie's powerful low shot around the post.[LNB]The end of the opening period saw the Swans earn a succession of corners, but Derby weathered the storm to reach the interval on level terms.[LNB]Swansea continued to hold the upper hand in the second half and Ashley Williams saw a header fly over the crossbar within two minutes of the restart.[LNB]Soon after, the impressive Dyer picked up a ball from Alan Tate before delivering a dangerous cross that narrowly evaded Beattie.[LNB]Swansea introduced Allen in place of Orlandi on the hour mark as they looked to engineer a breakthrough.[LNB]Sousa's men came close again after 70 minutes when Beattie found space in the area and fired in a left-footed shot which Bywater gathered at the second attempt.[LNB]Robbie Savage then made a superb challenge to prevent Dyer from converting a cross from Pratley, who saw an effort of his own saved by Bywater moments later.[LNB]The hosts' total dominance was finally rewarded with nine minutes remaining as Bessone latched onto Allen's pass before thundering a powerful shot past Bywater.[LNB][LNB][LNB]
