Source: Team_Talk
No way through in dour derby draw
The Portuguese boss has struggled to stamp his authority at the Liberty Stadium since being appointed as Roberto Martinez's successor in June.[LNB]This result leaves the Swans languishing in the lower reaches of the Championship after they largely dominated but failed to break down a resolute rearguard display from Gary Johnson's men.[LNB]Sousa recalled fit-again midfielder Joe Allen after a hamstring injury which had sidelined him since the opening day of the season and he replaced Leon Britton in the starting line-up.[LNB]New recruit Cedric van der Gun made his full debut, replacing Mark Gower on the left flank, while Gorka Pintado came in for the ineligible Lee Trundle.[LNB]The visitors were forced into five changes as Nicky Maynard (stomach bug), Dean Gerken (illness) and Louis Carey (knee) were all left sidelined through injury.[LNB]Brian Wilson and Cole Skuse dropped to the bench while goalkeeper Adriano Basso returned for his first start of the season.[LNB]Bradley Orr, Lee Johnson, Ivan Sproule and Evander Sno were also handed starting berths while Christian Ribeiro missed out with a knee injury picked up on Wales duty.[LNB]Swansea threatened first in the sixth minute when Allen collected possession and hit a fierce 20-yard shot over the bar.[LNB]Yet the visitors went desperately close in the 11th minute when an inswinging corner from Jamie McAllister was greeted by a firm header from Liam Fontaine.[LNB]Swansea goalkeeper Dorus De Vries, who excelled during Saturday's 2-0 defeat at Preston, superbly tipped the ball around the post.[LNB]Sproule then tried his luck 20 yards but Swansea defender Ashley Richards made a fine block to avert the danger.[LNB]Richards then showcased his quality at the other end of the field with a right-foot shot from six yards which flashed just wide of the far post.[LNB]The visitors should have led in the 22nd minute when Orr crossed from the flank and Marvin Elliott headed just over the bar from 12 yards.[LNB]Sno then drilled a shot wide when well placed as the Robins enjoyed a brief spell of sustained pressure which could have seen them forge ahead.[LNB]Yet the pendulum swung back towards Swansea in the 33rd minute when Nathan Dyer narrowly failed to hit the target from close range.[LNB]Pintado warmed Basso's hands from distance shortly before the break but the deadlock was almost broken midway through the second period when defender Ashley Williams headed over from 12 yards.[LNB]Swansea substitute Craig Beattie looked lively when he entered the action and in the 74th minute he went close with a predatory left-foot strike which drew another smart stop from Basso.[LNB]As the game entered the final stages a flurry of chances came and were spurned by both sides.[LNB]Substitute Ferrie Bodde fired right-footed from 35 yards before Lee Johnson shot straight at Basso in the 77th minute as neither side could find a way through.[LNB]Basso excelled again in the 89th minute when he tipped a 12-yard shot from Jordi Lopez around a post.[LNB][LNB][LNB]
