Anyone watching ENGLISH football’s second tier might wonder what’s going on right now. Last night Swansea secured their place in the game proclaimed as the “richest in world football.” Their 3-1 win over Nottingham Forest means they’re one win away from becoming the first Welsh side to achieve promotion to the Premier League. Here we were thinking all they were interested in was sheep, dragons and Charlotte Church’s voluptuous breasts.
Swansea thought they had the game won inside the first half after cracking strikes from Leon Britton and Steven Dobbie. That was before Cardiff-grown Robert Earnshaw rudely interrupted. The Zambian-born Welsh international pulled one back before smashing against the post in a move that would have sent it to extra time. Darren Pratley added a late third and boss Brendan Rodgers was able to head off on a Jose Mourinho-esque victory run. At least he learnt something whilst at Chelsea.
The side to join them at Wembley later this month will be decided in tonight’s semi final between Cardiff and Reading. If the side from the Welsh capital makes it then a side from across the border will make it to the Promised Land. It won’t be easy for a side that perennially struggles in the end of season playoff lottery though.
Captain Craig Bellamy will be risked in tonight’s clash in the hope that he can push them over the edge and to a South Wales showdown at Wembley. It makes you wonder why they ever moved the final from Cardiff in the first place. Don’t discount Reading though. They have an experienced side that has shown they can perform under pressure and knockout football is definitely their forte.
