October
A 2-2 draw with Lincoln at the Vetch opened the month for the Swans - a game remembered for us pulling back from a very early 2 goal deficit through goals from Trundle and Robinson. It was the opposite way the following week though as Trundle and Nugent were on target early on as the Swans won at Leyton Orient - although Trundle went off injured shortly after the Swans went 2 goals up. A 0-0 draw at home to Kidderminster was followed by the club's first home league defeat of the season - 2-0 against Cambridge - were the Swans really a one man team as stated? Maybe not so though as they won at Rochdale in their last game of the month - Mark Wilson scoring the only goal of the game.
In the FA Cup, the Swans were paired with second division Rushden whilst Alan Tate and Daniel Nardiello arrived on loan from Man Utd. Jason Smith announced his retirement from the game whilst Lee Trundle won a host of awards for his performances in September
November
November started with another goal less draw - this time at home to Bristol Rovers before two cup games in the space of a week brought different results. Southend triumphed at the Vetch in the LDV Vans trophy - not the first time they would win at the Vetch - whilst Rushden were despatched with some ease in the FA Cup - 3-0 - Kieron Durkan rounding off the afternoon with a superb individual goal. A live TV date against Northampton ended with the Swans going down 2-1 - Leon Britton's second goal for the club not enough to stave off a defeat. There was positive news at the end of the month however with Darlington beaten 1-0 at the Vetch and a 0-0 draw at York - Lee Trundle earning himself a three match ban for a sending off.
Player wise there was an extended deal for leading scorer Lee Trundle whilst Anthony Williams arrived from Hartlepool on loan as cover for Roger Freestone with Brian Murphy being away on International duty with the Republic of Ireland. There was more heartbreak for Wales as they lost their Euro 2004 play off with Russia by one goal over the two legs.
December
The opening game of the month saw Stevenage narrowly beaten at the Vetch in the FA Cup but there was no draw against the big guns as a reward - Macclesfield being the opposition again at home in the 3rd round. Southend returned a week later and, despite ending the game with three men sent off, triumphed 3-2 to inflict a second home defeat of the season on the Swans. James Thomas marked his first start in the league for almost four months with a brace. Doncaster moved to the top of the table with a 3-1 win over the Swans on the Friday before Christmas whilst a 0-0 draw against Torquay on Boxing Day halted the Swans worst run of the season so far. And the Swans ended the year on a high when an injury time winner from who else but Lee Trundle sent them into 2004 on a winning note with a 3-2 win over Yeovil at the Vetch
Wales were celebrating after being drawn in the same group as England for the World Cup qualifiers whilst Lee Jenkins was allowed to leave the club - Kidderminster and Jan Molby his destination.
So that was 2003 in words - a pretty unforgettable year that could have been so much worse. Few who were there will ever forget the emotion in that game in May against Hull and I remember well the point when we were 2-1 down and looking as if we were heading for the Conference. I then witnessed the rebuilding of the squad in the summer and the season opened with some of the most entertaining football at the Vetch for many a year. It has gone a bit flat of late but with the squad starting to come back to full fitness - who is to say that we won't see it come back again as we go into 2004. One thing is for certain and that is that 2004 will bring it's own moments - high and low - and will provide some more talking points for Swans fans everywhere to discuss. It wouldn't be Swansea City if it didn't would it? And I am sure that Swans fans everywhere will agree that 12 months on, the league tables make for completely different relaxation techniques!
I would like to take this chance to wish Swans fans everywhere a Very Happy New Year and keep those fingers crossed that we may be celebrating promotion next May. Thanks for visiting the site during 2003 - we have bought you the news the only way we know how and hope you have enjoyed it.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
CLICK HERE FOR THE REVIEW OF JANUARY - MARCH
CLICK HERE FOR THE REVIEW OF APRIL - JUNE
CLICK HERE FOR THE REVIEW OF JULY - SEPTEMBER
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