Source: Telegraph
Swansea produce topclass FA Cup display against Fulham
Funny people, these Welsh. You play the FA Cup final in their country for six years and they make little impact on the competition. Then you return to Wembley and they cannot wait to get on the M4. It may be asking a lot to expect Swansea to emulate Cardiff's feat in reaching the final last season --- for a start, a replay at Craven Cottage looms large --- but on this evidence nothing should daunt them. [LNB]It was the most enjoyable display I have seen from a team outside the Premier League in years. [LNB]Roberto Martinez's side were impressive enough in the first half, towards the end of which an unlucky own-goal by their captain, Garry Monk, put Roy Hodgson's Premier League team in front, and dazzling at times afterwards. [LNB]The little holding midfielder Leon Britton won the man-of-the-match award, but just about anyone would have done: Jordi Gomez, his teenage midfield colleague Joe Allen and Nathan Dyer, with his trickery on the flanks, were all candidates, as was the attacking right-back Angel Rangel. [LNB]Throw in a superb goal from Jason Scotland and you can understand why no neutral would have felt sorry for Fulham had they been knocked out. [LNB]''It was a jaded performance from us,'' Hodgson conceded, ''and a very good one from them. At least my defence looked pretty reliable. Sometimes it's about hanging on and not losing when you're below your best.'' [LNB]Pointing out that Swansea had knocked out the holders, Portsmouth, in an unbeaten run that now stretches to 16 matches, he declined to criticise his players. [LNB]It was right to give Swansea due credit and Martinez, expressing ''mixed feelings'', paid tribute to the character of his side in responding to the blow they suffered at what might have proved a crucial time. [LNB]The first half was almost over and Swansea had dominated it with football so calm, measured and thoughtful you could hardly believe they were in League One nine months ago. Twice Mark Gower had threatened, striking a post early and then forcing an excellent point-blank save from Mark Schwarzer after an all-Spanish move of especially high quality; Gomez skilfully carved the left side of Fulham's defence and Rangel's instant cross was mouth-watering. [LNB]Only as the interval approached did Fulham stir. Dorus de Vries, saving at the feet of Andy Johnson, did well, but soon Paul Konchesky's corner found the goalkeeper punching air and the ball bounced off Monk's hip and over the line. Swansea's reaction was to get even better. To all their other virtues they added, on the resumption, a sense of urgency. [LNB]The ever-dangerous Gower drove mightily, bringing another fine save from Schwarzer, but the big Australian could do noting about Scotland's effort a minute later. Receiving from Alan Tate on the edge of the penalty area, the Trinidadian striker skipped out of a challenge and shot low and left-footed to Schwarzer's left. The rest was almost all Swansea but Hodgson was entitled to thanks his defence for, a Dyer attempt that found the side net apart, Schwarzer was better protected now. [LNB]Olivier Dacourt, whom Hodgson has signed on loan from his old club Internazionale, found the pace hot and, after being shown a yellow card, was replaced by Clint Dempsey on the hour. [LNB]Swansea were relentless and afterwards the 35-year-old Martinez, who looks set for a higher level either with this club or another, reflected: ''There are days when you don't get what you deserve and this was one.'' [LNB]Fifth round replays[LNB]Hull v Sheff Utd: 26 Feb, 19.45 .Middlesbrough v West Ham: 24 Feb, 20.00Coventry v Blackburn: 24 Feb, 19.45Fulham v Swansea: 24 Feb, 20.00[LNB]
