On Saturday (15/06) the Swans, emboldened by their fine performance in the reverse fixture, travelled to Belfast for their final away game of the season.

The glorious sunshine the Swans left behind in Dublin was replaced by some constant and occasionally heavy rain conditions. These damp conditions left the ball slippery and made for a much more physical contest.

Missing a number of their star players through injury and prior engagements the Swans took to the field with great enthusiasm!
Despite some ferocious tackling and blocking in defence, the Swans were unable to get to the pitch of the game and struggled to make use of the numerous turnovers and could not work the ball out of the danger zone. When the swans gained control of the ball, the work done on the training field was evident in the structures and set up plays with only the final ball in greasy circumstances preventing the swans from making a greater impression on the scoreboard.
Q1 Redbacks 3.4 Swans 1.1

Unfortunately for the Swans Quarter 2 continued in the same vein,Swans were excellent in defence, covering the ground well and making numerous blocks tackles and clearances. Unfortunately as in the first quarter the conditions made for many incomplete passes as the swans tried to play out of defence which allowed a the more robust home team maintain the pressure on the Swans defence and ensure our forwards were operating on crumbs.

Q2 Redbacks 2.3 Swans 0.3
HT Redbacks 5.7 Swans 1.4

The third quarter started brightly for the Swans with the work on the training ground coming to the fore as we worked a number of promising positions in attack, while our defence maintained their sterling work, blocking, tackling and closing down space, ensured that the Swans made a mark on the scoreboard in the Championship quarter. However continued accuracy in attack from the home team allowed them shade Q3.
Q3 Redbacks 3.1 Swans 2.3
(Redbacks 8.8 Swans 3.7)

Quarter 4 finally saw the Redbacks really pull away as the intensity of the previous 60 minutes began to tell on our defence and midfield areas. While the work rate and effort did not drop across the team, the weather conditions left the ground, boots and footies all heavier, as the Swans battled manfully to grind their way back into the game. The home team in contrast had their tails up, buoyed on by their successes in the previous three quarters finally saw the Redbacks put the Swans to the sword.

Q4 Redbacks 6.2 Swans 2.2
Fulltime Redbacks 14.10 Swans 5.9
Redbacks 94 Swans 39

The Swans would like to thank all those who travelled and togged out for the trip to Belfast.

We'd also like to extend thanks to #BelfastRedbacks for hosting the match and providing some beers and burgers for post match refreshments.

Despite the defeat the Swans can be proud of the display that on another day could have produced a much closer game on the scoreboard structures worked on in training were evident in attack while the tenacity in defence was a credit to the team. And provides a solid foundation for us to build upon for the remainder of the season and to continue into the coming seasons.

Finally a word of thanks to our sponsors #KMLynskey and #DTwo who have provided great support to our team in this season of tough results.

A number of our members retired to #DTwo to conduct some post match analysis and to tend to some bumps and bruises!
Next up for the Swans is the visit of the #GalwayMagpies and we remind our players and fans to keep the 6th of July free, where we will look to turn our promising performances into a winning one.

#ToughDayAtTheOffice #Swans #Redbacks #AwayDay #KMLynskey #DTwo #CarnTheSwanies