Olivier Ntcham Puts Parity Between Swansea & Bristol

Olivier Ntcham struck his fourth goal of the season to earn Swansea City a 1-1 draw with Bristol City.

The Swans were punished for some sloppy errors in the opening half at Ashton Gate as Tommy Conway fired the hosts ahead on 24 minutes. Russell Martin used all five substitutions as Swansea threw everything at the Robins in the second half. And Ntcham rifled home 14 minutes from time as the Swans earned a point to extend their unbeaten run to three matches.

Martin named the same starting 11 for the third game running, and his bench options were bolstered by the return of Ryan Manning and former Bristol City man Jamie Paterson.

Swansea wasted no time in settling into their passing rhythm, and they created the first opening of the contest in the eighth minute as Michael Obafemi crossed to Ollie Cooper who could only head wide.

But the hosts should have gone ahead two minutes later after Ben Cabango lost possession cheaply. Nahki Wells fed Conway who squared from the left flank to Antoine Semenyo and he appeared destined to bulge the net from six yards out, only for Steven Benda to make what was a spectacular save from point-blank range.

Swansea created another opportunity following a stroke of fortune involving referee Andre Marriner who got in the way of Alex Scott, allowing Cooper and Obafemi the chance to break, but the latter was well challenged in the Robins’ penalty area.

Despite controlling possession, Swansea continued to cause themselves problems and gifted Nigel Pearson’s side another opening as Nathan Wood was robbed of the ball by Scott who threaded through to Wells, only for Benda to once again keep the hosts out.

But the Robins broke the deadlock moments later after once again winning the ball in Swansea’s half – with Semenyo and Wells combining before Conway lashed home.

The setback triggered an improved spell from Swansea who asked more questions of Bristol City in their own half. Harry Darling was unable to make firm contact with a volley from Obafemi’s cross before Cooper could only scuff a shot following a marauding run up the pitch from Wood.

They tested Max O’Leary from a well worked set-piece with the final play of the opening 45, although the goalkeeper dealt with Wood’s volley to ensure the hosts led at the break. Manning replaced Wood for the second half in a move that saw Joel Latibeaudiere drop into the back three.

But Bristol City remained alert to the Swans’ sloppiness, with Semenyo firing at Benda from distance 10 minutes after the restart. Ntcham replaced Cooper with just over an hour gone, and the Cameroon international injected some life into his side’s attack.

Paterson, Kyle Naughton and Armstrong Oko-Flex then entered the fray as the Swans went for broke with 20 minutes left on the clock. And they levelled in sensational fashion as Paterson’s corner was only cleared to Ntcham who rifled beyond O’Leary from outside the box to send the 2,500 Swansea supporters into raptures, although Oko-Flex will no doubt attempt to claim the goal following a slight deflection.

Martin’s men pushed for a late winner as the final stages became frantic, but neither side could find a breakthrough as the points were shared in Bristol.