SWANSEA CITY suffered defeat for the second time in three games on Saturday, February 27, as Bristol City continued their revival under new boss Nigel Pearson.
Bristol have now won their last two games under Pearson but had lost their last six league games and had slipped out of the top half of the table.
The Swans came into the game on the back of a 1-0 win over Coventry and they had their eyes fixed on an automatic promotion place.
And it looked like they were going to continue their top two push as the home side started brightly under blue skies at the Liberty.
In the third minute, Joel Latibeaudiere found Yan Dhanda but his cross was tamely headed towards goal by Jamal Lowe.
Lowe then came close again as he took the ball after Andre Ayew had been fouled but his effort was saved by Bristol keeper Daniel Bentley.
The home side then had two penalty appeals waved away before Dhanda forced Bentley to make a good save to keep the scores level.
The Swans continued to press as Connor Roberts’ cross was cleared away for a corner before Jake Bidwell could get on the end of it.
From the resulting corner, Conor Hourihane headed towards goal but Bentley tipped the ball over.
The sides went in at the break with the score 0-0 but the Swans were left scratching their heads as to how they hadn’t scored.
Ten minutes into the second half, however, the home side were given a penalty after the referee spotted a handball. Ayew stepped up to score the penalty to finally put the Swans ahead.
Midway through the second half Bristol levelled as the Swans lost possession and the ball was played to Nakhi Wells who found the back of the net.
With ten minutes to go, it was Bristol who took the lead as a corner from Kasey Palmer went all the way in.
The Swans pushed for a late equaliser and came close when Ayew turned but he sent his shot wide.
With time running out, Freddie Woodman’s clearance was blocked and Antoine Semenyo was able to steer the ball in to make it 3-1 to Bristol.
It was an excellent win for the visitors as they inflicted a first home defeat on Swansea since October.
Steve Cooper was left to rue his side’s missed chances but will be hoping they can find their scoring boots in time for Wednesday’s game against Stoke City.
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